Day Five Of Navratri - White For Skandamata Devi
By A Draft Correspondent
Navratri, the nine-day festival honouring Goddess Durga, is a celebration rich in colour and symbolism, with each day being associated with a distinct hue. On the fifth day of Navratri in 2024, the colour white takes centre stage, representing purity, peace, and spiritual elevation. This colour resonates with the qualities of Goddess Skandamata, the deity worshipped on this day, and its relevance extends beyond tradition into the trends and sensibilities of the modern world.
The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Skanda (also known as Kartikeya), the god of war and victory. She is often depicted seated on a lion, holding baby Skanda in her lap, a symbol of her fierce protection and maternal grace. The name "Skandamata" itself signifies the "mother of Skanda," and her story is deeply intertwined with the themes of motherhood, courage, and nurturing power.
In Indian tradition, white has long been a symbol of peace, spiritual clarity, and purity. During Navratri, wearing white on the fifth day serves as a reminder to cleanse one’s thoughts, actions, and surroundings. It invokes a sense of serenity and balance, encouraging individuals to cultivate inner peace and connect with their higher selves.
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| Skandamata Devi |
White is also regarded as the colour of new beginnings. As devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Skandamata, they don white to symbolise their desire for purity of heart and mind, aligning their intentions with the spiritual ideals of the festival. The purity associated with this colour mirrors the purity of Skandamata’s love for her child, as well as her devotion to the well-being of her devotees.
On this day, devotees perform special rituals to honour Goddess Skandamata. The altar is often decorated with white flowers such as jasmine, symbolising purity and divine grace. Offerings of fruits, white sweets, and milk-based dishes are made to the goddess, reflecting the sanctity of the occasion. Devotees also chant hymns and mantras, invoking the peaceful and protective energies of the goddess to bless their families with harmony and prosperity.
Fasting is a common practice on the fifth day, with many observing a sattvic diet that includes only light, vegetarian foods, aligning with the pure energy of the day. The simplicity of these rituals complements the serene energy of the colour white, emphasising devotion and mindfulness in all actions.
On the fifth day of Navratri, devotees worship Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Goddess Durga, revered for her maternal grace and nurturing power. Her name is derived from her role as the mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya), the warrior god of victory. Skandamata is often depicted seated on a lion, holding baby Skanda in her lap, embodying both the fierce protector and the loving, nurturing mother.The legend of Goddess Skandamata is intricately connected with the birth of Kartikeya. When the demon Tarakasura wreaked havoc in the heavens and none of the gods could defeat him, it was foretold that only the son of Lord Shiva could destroy him. Goddess Parvati, in her Skandamata form, performed severe penance and gave birth to Kartikeya. Her son, destined to become the commander of the celestial armies, led the gods to victory over Tarakasura, restoring peace to the heavens.In this form, Skandamata represents the power of motherhood and the strength that comes with nurturing and protection. She holds her son close while riding a lion, symbolising the duality of her nature—gentle yet fearless. Her blessings are believed to bestow wisdom, power, and prosperity upon her devotees.Worshipping Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day of Navratri is said to remove obstacles and bring peace, happiness, and success. Devotees seek her blessings for protection and to gain her maternal care in their spiritual journey.
The significance of white in the context of Navratri also finds parallels in contemporary global trends. In recent years, white has come to represent simplicity, minimalism, and mindfulness—a movement that resonates deeply with the spiritual ethos of the festival. In fashion, architecture, and design, the use of white is seen as a statement of clarity, balance, and focus on essentials.
Minimalism, particularly in urban settings, has become a powerful statement against the chaos of modern life. The preference for white in homes, workspaces, and even clothing symbolises a desire for mental clarity and emotional peace—values that align perfectly with the spiritual significance of white during Navratri. This trend, particularly popular among younger generations, reflects a growing awareness of mindfulness, where less is more, and simplicity leads to a deeper connection with one’s self.
In 2024, as the world moves further into the digital age, the simplicity of white offers a grounding force. Festivals like Navratri, though deeply rooted in tradition, evolve with the times, and white continues to symbolise purity and new beginnings in both spiritual and social contexts. White-themed celebrations, minimalistic décor, and even digital representations of the festival reflect a blend of ancient reverence and modern simplicity.
On social media platforms, one can observe a growing trend where devotees and influencers share images of themselves dressed in white, adorned in minimalist jewellery, with captions highlighting themes of peace, purity, and introspection. The colour white becomes more than just a tradition—it transforms into a statement of calm amidst the storm of daily life, offering a space for contemplation in a fast-paced world.
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