Today, 15 October, is the fifth calendar day of Navaratri. Skandamata’s place in the traditional Navadurga sequence highlights motherhood, care and protection.

Depictions of Skandamata show the goddess with the child Skanda. Devotees understand this imagery through the affection and responsibility involved in caring for others.

Festival work can be shared across a household, including cooking, cleaning and preparing the shrine. Making room for elders and children, and contacting relatives living elsewhere, brings the theme of care into everyday life. Daily Kalash and Jamara observances continue according to family practice.

Editorial note: This is a cultural explainer for today’s observance. The accompanying image is an AI-generated illustration, rather than a photograph of a reported ceremony.

Sources
https://www.hamropatro.com/date/2083-6-29
https://www.drikpanchang.com/nepali/dashain/dashain-calendar.html?geoname-id=1283240&year=2026