Maha Panchami 2025

Maha Panchami is celebrated widely across India during the festival of Navaratri. It is the fifth day of the nine-day long celebrations of Goddess Durga.  

Name of the Festival 

Date 

Day 

Maha Panchami 

26 September 2025

Friday

Navaratri is celebrated with much grandeur across India as devotees worship Goddess Durga with utmost dedication. The celebrations extend to nine days, with each day having its own uniqueness and significance.  

The festival celebrates the victory of good over evil as devotees believe that Goddess Durga, affectionately called Maa Durga, had won the battle against the demon Mahishasura. These nine days are solely dedicated to honoring the goddess and re-igniting the faith in goodness, dharma, and righteousness for the devotees. 

The Goddess Durga is worshipped in her nine avatars in these nine days, each associated with an incarnation of the goddess.  

Maha Panchami – Day 5 of Navaratri

Maha Panchami, the fifth day of Navaratri, holds a special significance as the day is associated with the worship of Goddess Skandamata, who is believed to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya.   

Goddess Skandamata, who represents strength and valor, is one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The name ‘Skandamata’ is derived from ‘Skanda,’ another name for Lord Kartikeya and ‘Mata,’ means mother. 

Skandamata is depicted riding a furious lion while holding her son Lord Skanda in her lap. The Goddess is portrayed with four hands, where the upper two hands are holding lotus flowers, while the right hand is holding Lord Skanda, and her left hand is positioned in Abhaya Mudra.  

Skandamata is considered the goddess of motherhood and worshipping her on Maha Panchami is believed to bestow wisdom, power, and prosperity. The Maha Panchami emphasizes the importance of family, and mothers worship Goddess Skandamata to protect their children and loved ones. 

History and Background

According to Hindu mythology, Maha Panchami is considered a crucial day as devotees believe that on the fifth day of the fight against evil, Goddess Durga begins to gain the upper hand and eventually kills the demon Mahishasura. 

Rituals and Practices

On Maha Panchami, the rituals began early in the morning with devotees taking a purifying bath and donning new and clean clothes.  

The idol of Lord Skandamata is decorated with flowers and several varieties of fruits and sweets are offered to the deity. The devotees recite the Skandamata mantra either individually or as part of a group, invoking the goddess’ blessings. Special bhajans dedicated to Goddess Skandamata are also sung with utmost dedication. 

In some regions, especially West Bengal, Maha Panchami is marked by the initiation of the grand Durga Puja celebrations. On this day, the final preparations for Durga Puja are completed and the eyes of the goddess’ idol, known as ‘Chokkhu Daan,’ are ceremonially drawn. This ritual is considered auspicious as the devotees believe that the Goddess has descended to earth from her heavenly abode.

FAQs on Maha Panchami

  • When is Maha Panchami in the year 2025?

    Maha Panchami falls on 26 September in the year 2025.  

  • What is the significance of Maha Panchami?

    Maha Panchami is the fifth day of Navaratri celebrations. Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda, is worshipped on this day.  

  • Why is Maha Panchami celebrated?

    According to Hindu mythology, Maha Panchami is celebrated as devotees believe that on the fifth day of the fight against evil, Goddess Durga begins to gain the upper hand and eventually kills the demon Mahishasura.  

  • Is Maha Panchami celebrations a part of Navaratri?

    Yes, Maha Panchami is the fifth day of Navaratri celebrations. It holds a special significance as the day is associated with the worship of Goddess Skandamata, who is believed to be the mother of Lord Kartikeya.   

  • How is Maha Panchami celebrated in West Bengal?

    In West Bengal, Maha Panchami is marked by the start of Durga Puja celebrations. On this day, the final preparations for Durga Puja are completed and the eyes of the goddess’s idol, known as Chokkhu Daan, are ceremonially drawn. This ritual is considered auspicious as devotees believe that the goddess descends to earth from her heavenly abode.  

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