Though today is the fourth day of Navratri, instead of the fourth form of Nav Durga, which is Goddess Kushmanda, Skandamata — the fifth avatar of Goddess Durga will be worshipped. This is because the Panchami Tithi is falling on October 10. Basically, this year, the fourth day of Shardiya Navratri will be dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Shakti — Maa Skandamata.
The much-awaited nine-day festival of Navratri (Shardiya Navratri) begins today. For the coming nine days, most Hindus, primarily the followers of Shaktism, one of the major Hindu denominations that worships Shakti or Devi in her many forms, will observe and celebrate the festival with zest and gusto.