5th Day of Navratri: Significance and Celebrations

Navratri, a nine-night long festival, is one of the most prominent Hindu festivals celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm across India and by Hindus around the world. The fifth day of Navratri holds special significance and is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga. Let’s delve into the significance of the fifth day of Navratri and how it is celebrated:

Significance of the Fifth Day of Navratri

Goddess Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda, from whom she derives her name. She is depicted riding a lion and carrying her infant son. Skandamata is seen as the embodiment of motherly love and protection. Devotees believe that worshipping her on the fifth day of Navratri brings courage, strength, and wisdom.

On this day, devotees offer prayers to seek the blessings of Goddess Skandamata for the well-being of their children and family. It is believed that she protects her devotees from harm and bestows them with maternal love and care.

Celebrations on the Fifth Day of Navratri

1. Rituals and Puja: Devotees wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes before beginning the puja (religious rituals). They offer flowers, incense, and sweets to the Goddess while chanting mantras and shlokas.

2. Color of the Day: The color associated with the fifth day of Navratri is Grey. Devotees typically dress in grey attire or incorporate grey in their outfits or accessories as a mark of reverence to Goddess Skandamata.

3. Special Offerings: To please the Goddess, devotees offer raw bananas as it is believed to be her favorite fruit. Kheer (rice pudding) is another traditional offering made to seek her blessings.

4. Fasting: Many devotees observe fasts on this day and consume only milk, fruits, or vrat-special meals prepared without onion and garlic.

5. Community Celebrations: Navratri is not just a festival of prayer and fasting; it is also a time for celebration and community gatherings. Many Garba and Dandiya events are organized where people come together to dance, sing, and celebrate the spirit of Navratri.

6. Arti and Bhajans: Devotees gather in temples or at community puja pandals to participate in the artis (prayer rituals) and sing devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Skandamata.

7. Spiritual Discourses: Many temples and spiritual organizations conduct discourses and lectures on the significance of Goddess Skandamata and the importance of maternal love and care.

FAQs about the Fifth Day of Navratri:

Q1: Who is Goddess Skandamata?
A1: Goddess Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga, the mother of Lord Kartikeya, also known as Skanda.

Q2: What is the significance of worshiping Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri?
A2: Devotees believe that seeking blessings from Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day brings courage, strength, and maternal love.

Q3: What offerings are made to Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri?
A3: Raw bananas and kheer (rice pudding) are traditional offerings made to Goddess Skandamata.

Q4: Why is the color grey associated with the fifth day of Navratri?
A4: Grey is the color associated with Goddess Skandamata and is worn by devotees as a mark of reverence.

Q5: Are there any specific rituals or customs followed on the fifth day of Navratri?
A5: Devotees observe fasts, perform puja, offer prayers, and participate in community celebrations like Garba and Dandiya.

As the fifth day of Navratri unfolds, devotees immerse themselves in the worship of Goddess Skandamata, seeking her blessings for protection, strength, and love. It is a day filled with devotion, celebration, and the spirit of maternal care, reflecting the sacred bond between a mother and her child.