On the fifth morning of Navratri, bananas are often placed on the puja thali alongside a glowing diya and a few yellow flowers. It is a simple offering that carries deep devotional significance. Navratri Day 5 falls on Thursday, 15 October 2026, during the Panchami tithi, and is dedicated to Maa Skandamata, the nurturing motherly form among the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga.
The day also coincides with Lalita Panchami, also known as Upang Lalita Vrat, which many devotees observe alongside their Navratri fasting rituals. This year, Navratri is being celebrated from 11 to 19 October, followed by Dussehra on 20 October.
Who Is Maa Skandamata?Maa Skandamata is known as the mother of Skanda, another name for Lord Kartikeya, also worshipped as Murugan. He is regarded as the commander of the divine army and is celebrated for defeating the demon Tarakasura.
The goddess is typically depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus and carrying the infant Skanda in her lap. Since she sits on a lotus, she is also known as Padmasana Devi. A lion serves as her vehicle, symbolising courage, strength and fearlessness.
Her divine appearance beautifully balances two contrasting qualities: the power of a lion and the tenderness of a mother holding her child. This combination represents the protective and compassionate nature of the goddess.
A Mother's Strength Goes Beyond TendernessDevotees worship Maa Skandamata to seek courage, wisdom, peace and protection from life's difficulties. Her blessings are believed to help devotees face challenges with confidence while nurturing love, patience and compassion.
Worshipping her is also associated with seeking the blessings of Lord Kartikeya. For this reason, devotees often consider the fifth day of Navratri especially auspicious, as prayers honour both the mother and her divine son.
The Colour of Navratri Day 5: YellowAccording to the weekday-based Navratri colour tradition followed this year, yellow is the colour associated with Day 5. The shade symbolises happiness, warmth, optimism and knowledge. Devotees often wear yellow clothing and decorate their home altars with yellow flowers as part of their worship.
However, some Navratri colour calendars, including those followed during Chaitra Navratri earlier in the year, associate white with the fifth day. Since Navratri colours vary across regional traditions and annual calendars rather than being governed by a universal scriptural rule, devotees can follow their family customs or preferred tradition.
A Simple Puja Vidhi for Navratri Day 5Devotees can perform Maa Skandamata's puja at home with a few basic offerings and sincere prayers. The ritual does not need to be elaborate to be meaningful.
Follow these simple steps:Wake up early: Take a bath, wear clean clothes and prepare a clean space for worship.
Arrange the altar: Place an image or idol of Maa Skandamata with Lord Kartikeya on a clean cloth.
Take a sankalp: Begin the puja by expressing your intention to worship the goddess on the fifth day of Navratri.
Light a diya: Offer a lamp and fresh yellow flowers to the goddess.
Offer bhog: Present bananas as prasad, a traditional offering associated with the day's worship.
Chant the mantra: Recite the following mantra with devotion:
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Skandamata Rupena Samsthita, Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
Perform the aarti: Conclude the worship by singing Maa Skandamata's aarti, followed by the Durga Mata aarti.
The puja generally takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the rituals performed. Since auspicious muhurat timings differ from one city to another, devotees should consult their local panchang or priest for the appropriate time.
Things to Do on Navratri Day 5Along with the traditional puja, devotees can observe Navratri Day 5 through simple acts of devotion, gratitude and kindness.
Wear yellow: Choose yellow attire to honour the day's traditional colour, or wear white if that is your family's custom.
Distribute banana prasad: Share the bananas offered during the puja with family members and other devotees.
Observe a satvik fast: Those observing a Navratri vrat can follow their customary fasting rules and choose suitable satvik foods.
Chant Maa Skandamata's mantra: Recite the mantra or complete a mala of prayers as part of your daily spiritual practice.
Show respect to teachers and elders: Since Thursday is traditionally associated with Guru, the day offers an additional opportunity to express gratitude to teachers, mentors and elders.
Connect with your mother: Call or visit your mother, or someone who has played a maternal role in your life. The gesture reflects the nurturing spirit associated with Maa Skandamata.
Navratri Day 5 is a reminder that true strength lies not only in courage but also in compassion, patience and the willingness to protect those we love. Through prayers to Maa Skandamata, devotees seek her blessings for wisdom, family well-being and the strength to overcome life's obstacles.