Day 5 of Navratri is underway and today devotees are celebrating the might of Maa Skandamata. This year, Navratri began on Sunday, 15th October and is scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. During these nine days, devotees celebrate Goddess Durga, with each day dedicated to worshipping one of her nine forms: Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayani, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, and Siddhidatri. Following the worship of Devi Kushmanda on the fourth day, the fifth day of Shardiya Navratri belongs to Maa Skandamata.
Iconography
Skandamata, known as the "mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)," is honoured. She symbolises compassion and motherhood as the fifth manifestation of Goddess Durga. Skandamata is typically depicted wearing yellow attire and seated on a lion. With four hands, she cradles the infant Kartikeya in one of them. On this day, devotees worship this manifestation to dispel negative thoughts and seek blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
Rituals
Maa Skandamta’s colour is yellow which signifies joy, optimism, happiness, cheerfulness, and brightness and devotees often wear yellow clothes to honour her today. To add sweetness to the occasion, consider preparing a bright, yellow kesar kheer to appease the goddess. During this day's worship of Maa Skandamata, offerings include yellow flowers, gangajal, kumkum, and ghee. Additionally, a special bhog featuring an assortment of banana-based delicacies is presented to the goddess.