Navratri 2026 Day 5: Maa Skandamata worshipped on 15 October, yellow is the colour of the day
The fifth day of Shardiya Navratri on 15 October is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, with yellow as the colour of the day.
Devotees are observing the fifth day of Shardiya Navratri on Thursday, 15 October, dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the maternal form of Goddess Durga. Yellow is the colour of the day, according to the Free Press Journal, The Sunday Guardian and The Hans India.
Shardiya Navratri 2026 runs from 11 October to 19 October, with Dussehra (Vijayadashami) on 20 October, according to the Free Press Journal.
Who is Maa Skandamata
Skandamata is the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. She is depicted seated on a lion, holding lotus flowers and carrying her son, with four hands that represent divine grace, protection and spiritual strength, The Sunday Guardian reported.
She is regarded as a symbol of maternal love, courage, sacrifice and nurturing strength, and her worship is believed to bring peace, prosperity and spiritual well-being, according to the report.
Colour, bhog and puja
- Date: Thursday, 15 October (Day 5)
- Goddess: Maa Skandamata
- Colour: Yellow, associated with optimism, happiness and cheerful energy (Free Press Journal); The Sunday Guardian links it to positivity and prosperity and notes that colour traditions can vary by region
- Bhog: Bananas, according to The Hans India; The Sunday Guardian suggests fruits, sweets and prasad as per family tradition
- Mantra: “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” (The Sunday Guardian)
The puja steps described by The Sunday Guardian include cleaning the prayer area and placing the idol or picture of the goddess, lighting a lamp and incense, offering fresh flowers, including lotus if available, presenting the bhog, chanting the mantra and performing the aarti. Those keeping the Navratri fast continue to observe it.
Remaining days of Navratri
The colours and goddesses for the rest of the festival, as listed by the Free Press Journal, are:
- 16 October (Day 6): Green, Maa Katyayani
- 17 October (Day 7): Grey, Maa Kalaratri
- 18 October (Day 8): Purple, Maa Mahagauri
- 19 October (Day 9): Peacock Green, Maa Siddhidatri
Dussehra will be celebrated on 20 October, marking the end of the festival.
Sources: Free Press Journal, The Sunday Guardian, The Hans India
Related
Navratri 2026 Day 4: Maa Kushmanda worshipped on 14 October; royal blue is the colour of the day
Navratri 2026 Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped on 13 October; red is the colour of the day
