Navratri 2026 Day 5 (October 15, 2026): Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog & Colour

Navratri 2026 Day 5: The fifth day of Sharad Navratri will be observed on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Devotees worship Maa Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga and the mother of Lord Skanda, also known as Kartikeya. The day is associated with maternal love, protection, strength and blessings for children. The popular Navratri Day 5 colour is yellow, while bananas are traditionally offered as bhog.

Here is everything to know about Navratri Day 5 2026, including Maa Skandamata's date, tithi, colour, mantra, bhog, puja samagri and simple puja vidhi.

Also Read: Happy Navratri Day 5 Wishes 2026: 50+ Maa Skandamata Quotes, Messages and WhatsApp Status | Maa Skandamata Katha, Aarti and Family Blessings

Navratri Day 5 2026: Key Details

Detail	Information
Date	Thursday, October 15, 2026
Navratri Day	Day 5
Goddess	Maa Skandamata
Tithi	Shukla Paksha Panchami
Colour	Yellow
Bhog	Banana
Main Mantra	Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah
Associated qualities	Motherly love, protection, strength and wisdom

Navratri Day 5 falls on Shukla Paksha Panchami and is also associated with Skandamata Puja and Upang Lalita Vrat in some regional traditions.

Who Is Maa Skandamata?

Maa Skandamata is the fifth form of Goddess Durga and is worshipped as the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya.

She is traditionally depicted with four arms, seated on a lotus and carrying lotuses in two of her hands, while infant Skanda sits on her lap. She is also shown riding a lion and is therefore associated with both maternal compassion and divine strength.

The name Skandamata means the mother of Skanda. Her worship is especially associated with a mother's protective love, blessings for children and spiritual strength.

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What Is the Navratri Day 5 Colour 2026?

The popular Navratri Day 5 colour for 2026 is yellow.

Yellow is traditionally associated with happiness, optimism, prosperity and positive energy. Devotees following the day-wise colour tradition can wear yellow clothes or use yellow flowers and decorations during the puja.

Day-wise Navratri colours are a popular devotional custom, and colour traditions can vary by region or family.

Must Read: Navratri Day 5 Colour 2026: Why Yellow Is Special and What to Wear on October 15

Maa Skandamata Mantra for Navratri Day 5

The main mantra dedicated to Maa Skandamata is:

ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥

Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

Devotees can chant this mantra during the day's puja. Those who regularly practise mantra chanting may repeat it 108 times with a mala.

Read More: 5 Powerful Maa Skandamata Chants for Peace, Strength and Family Well-Being

Maa Skandamata Dhyan Mantra

सिंहासनगता नित्यं पद्माश्रितकरद्वया।शुभदास्तु सदा देवी स्कन्दमाता यशस्विनी॥

This traditional verse praises Maa Skandamata as the auspicious Goddess seated on her lion throne and associated with lotus flowers.

Also Read: Durga Puja 2026 Dates: Know When Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami, Maha Navami and Vijayadashami Fall | Happy Durga Puja 2026 Wishes: 100+ Heartfelt Messages & Bengali Greetings to Share

Maa Skandamata Puja Vidhi and Samagri

A simple home puja can be performed without elaborate arrangements.

Puja samagri:

• Maa Skandamata image or idol
• Diya and ghee or oil
• Roli or kumkum
• Akshat
• Yellow flowers
• Incense
• Water
• Bananas
• Fruits and Prasad
• Puja bell

Simple puja vidhi:

1. Bathe and clean the puja area.
2. Light the diya and incense.
3. Worship the Navratri Kalash if it was established on Day 1.
4. Place Maa Skandamata's image or idol before the puja area.
5. Offer roli, akshat and flowers.
6. Offer bananas as bhog.
7. Chant “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah.”
8. Recite a Durga prayer, Chalisa or other family prayer.
9. Perform Aarti and distribute the Prasad.

What Bhog Is Offered to Maa Skandamata?

Bananas are traditionally offered as bhog to Maa Skandamata on Navratri Day 5.

Devotees can offer ripe bananas during the puja and later distribute them as Prasad. Other sattvic offerings may also be prepared according to family tradition.

Why Is Maa Skandamata Worshipped on Day 5?

Maa Skandamata represents the maternal aspect of Goddess Durga. Her depiction with infant Skanda on her lap highlights protection, compassion and the bond between mother and child. Devotees traditionally seek her blessings for the wellbeing and protection of children, family happiness, courage and spiritual strength.

What Should You Do on Navratri Day 5?

On October 15, devotees can:

• Worship Maa Skandamata with devotion.
• Wear yellow if following the popular Navratri colour tradition.
• Offer bananas as bhog.
• Chant her mantra.
• Observe a Navratri fast according to personal and family tradition.
• Perform evening Aarti.
• Share Prasad with family members.

The focus of the day can be kept on gratitude, family wellbeing, devotion and seeking Maa Skandamata's protective blessings.

Navratri Day 5 Vrat Food

Those observing a Navratri fast can choose foods permitted by their family or regional fasting tradition.

Common options include:

• Fruits
• Milk and curd
• Makhana
• Sabudana
• Kuttu flour
• Singhara flour
• Samak rice
• Potatoes and permitted vegetables
• Nuts
• Sendha namak

Fasting practices differ among families and regions. Anyone with specific dietary or medical needs should follow appropriate professional advice rather than adopting a restrictive fast without guidance.

Also Read: Navratri Vrat Food List 2026: What Can You Eat? Kuttu, Singhara, Sendha Namak Rules & Puja Samagri Checklist

FAQs

1. When is Navratri Day 5 in 2026?
   Navratri Day 5 will be observed on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
2. Which Goddess is worshipped on Navratri Day 5?
   Maa Skandamata is worshipped on the fifth day of Sharad Navratri. She is the mother of Lord Skanda or Kartikeya.
3. What is the Navratri Day 5 colour in 2026?
   The popular Navratri Day 5 colour is yellow.
4. What is Maa Skandamata's mantra?
   The main mantra is “ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः॥” (Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah).
5. What bhog is offered to Maa Skandamata?
   Bananas are traditionally offered as bhog to Maa Skandamata on Day 5.