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As we reach the 23rd of March, 2026, the energy of Chaitra Navratri matures into a state of serene maternal grace. This is the fifth day of the festival, dedicated to Maa Skandamata. Unlike the fierce warrior forms we have encountered in the previous days, Skandamata represents the nurturing and protective side of the Divine Mother. She is the Mother of Skanda, also known as Lord Kartikeya or Murugan, the commander-in-chief of the celestial army. On this day, the atmosphere in households across India shifts from the intense discipline of the start of the week toward a more compassionate and wisdom-focused devotion.
The Divine Matriarch: Symbolism Of Maa Skandamata
The name Skandamata literally means the mother of Skanda. She is depicted with four arms, seated gracefully on a lotus, which gives her the alternative name Padmasana Devi. In her lap, she holds the infant Skanda, symbolising the inseparable bond between a mother and her child. This form of the Goddess teaches us that even the most powerful being in the universe finds her greatest joy in nurturing life. She holds lotus flowers in her upper hands, representing purity and the ability to remain detached from the muck of the material world. Her one hand is held in the Abhaya Mudra, a gesture that dispels fear and grants protection to all her children. By worshipping Skandamata, devotees naturally receive the blessings of Lord Kartikeya as well, gaining both the wisdom of the mother and the leadership qualities of the son. She represents the perfect balance between action and affection, reminding us that true power is always tempered by compassion.
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The Radiance Of White: The Colour Of Day 5
For Chaitra Navratri 2026, the fifth day is associated with the colour white. This choice is deeply symbolic of the purity, peace, and innocence that Maa Skandamata embodies. White is the presence of all colours, just as a mother contains within her all the possibilities for her child’s future. It represents a state of mental clarity and a soul that is unburdened by the heavy shadows of ego and anger. Wearing white on the 23rd of March helps devotees connect with the soothing energy of the Goddess. In the heat of the Indian spring, white is also a practical choice, reflecting the sun’s rays and keeping the body cool during long hours of fasting and prayer. It symbolises a fresh start and the cleansing of the mind. As you drape yourself in this hue, the intention is to become a blank canvas upon which the Divine Mother can paint her wisdom.
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The Sacred Banana: Day 5 Bhog And Offerings
The most significant tradition of the fifth day revolves around the fruit of the day: the banana. Maa Skandamata is said to be extremely fond of bananas, and offering them as bhog is an essential part of the ritual. The banana is a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and the sweetness of life. Unlike many other fruits, every part of the banana plant is useful, reflecting the selfless nature of the Mother Goddess. When offering bananas at the altar, it is customary to present a full bunch if possible, symbolising abundance. In many South Indian traditions, the offering of a banana with a small piece of jaggery is considered highly auspicious. This simple act is believed to bring physical health and mental peace to the family. For those who wish to prepare something more elaborate, a banana-based dessert like a raw banana halwa or a simple mash with honey and nuts can be offered to the deity before being shared as prasad.
Food Rituals: Nourishing The Body And Soul
The dietary focus for the 23rd of March, 2026, is centred on the banana, but it extends to a broader range of falahari or fasting-friendly foods that support the body’s needs. By the fifth day of the Vrat, the body has usually adjusted to the lighter intake, and the focus turns to maintaining stamina.
Raw Banana Delicacies
Raw bananas are a staple for Navratri fasting because they are rich in resistant starch and provide a steady release of energy. A popular ritual meal involves making Kacha Kela ki Sabzi, where raw bananas are sautéed with cumin seeds, green chillies, and a generous amount of fresh coriander. This dish is usually seasoned with rock salt and a squeeze of lemon to keep the flavours vibrant. Some families also enjoy thin, crispy raw banana chips fried in peanut oil or ghee, which serve as a perfect snack during the afternoon.
The Sweetness of Fruit
Since the banana is the star of the day, a fruit salad featuring bananas, pomegranate seeds, and grapes is a common sight. For a more filling meal, a banana smoothie made with chilled milk and a hint of cardamom provides a refreshing break from the warmer temperatures outside. This aligns with the previous day’s focus on milk while transitioning into the specific fruit associated with Skandamata.
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Sago and Singada
To balance the sweetness of the fruit, savoury dishes made from sabudana (sago) or singhare ka atta (water chestnut flour) are prepared. A light singhare ki kadhi, thickened with chestnut flour and served with samvat rice, is a comforting and nutritious meal that adheres to the strict rules of the fast while providing the warmth of a home-cooked Indian meal.
