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Wednesday, 14 October 2026 — the goddess who created the universe with her smile
Navratri Day 4 falls on Wednesday, 14 October 2026 and is dedicated to Maa Kushmanda, the fourth form of Navadurga. In Hindu tradition she is the creator of the universe, said to have brought the cosmos into being with a gentle smile. The colour of the day in the commonly published 2026 sequence is royal blue.
Find the full nine-day calendar in our Navratri 2026 guide.
| Detail | Day 4 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 14 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Ashwin Shukla Chaturthi |
| Goddess | Maa Kushmanda |
| Colour of the day | Royal blue |
| Arms | Eight (Ashtabhuja) |
| Mount | Lion |
| Traditional bhog | Malpua |
The name is usually explained as ku (a little), ushma (warmth or energy) and anda (the cosmic egg): she is the goddess who produced the cosmic egg with a little warmth — or, in the popular telling, with her smile. Kushmanda is also the Sanskrit word for the ash gourd (petha), an offering associated with her in some traditions.
According to the tradition, before creation there was only darkness. Kushmanda smiled, and light and the universe came into being. She is believed to dwell within the Sun, with the power to bear its heat and radiance, and her glow is said to give light to all directions.
This makes her a goddess of life energy, light and abundance — the source from which all other forms emerge.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Arms | Eight, which is why she is called Ashtabhuja Devi |
| Objects held | Kamandalu, bow, arrow, lotus, a pot of nectar (amrit kalash), chakra, gada and a japa mala |
| Mount | Lion |
| Expression | Gentle, smiling and radiant |
The pot of nectar is linked to health and long life, and the japa mala is believed to grant siddhis (spiritual accomplishments).
Customs differ by region and family.
Name mantra:
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः॥
Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah
Dhyana shloka:
सुरासम्पूर्णकलशं रुधिराप्लुतमेव च।
दधाना हस्तपद्माभ्यां कूष्माण्डा शुभदास्तु मे॥
Meaning: "May Goddess Kushmanda, who holds in her lotus hands pots full of nectar and of blood, be auspicious to me."
Malpua, a sweet fried pancake soaked in syrup, is the offering most commonly associated with Maa Kushmanda. Devotees believe it pleases her and improves decision-making and intellect. During a fast, many families prepare malpua with kuttu or singhara flour instead of wheat.
Royal blue stands for depth, calm and abundance, echoing the vast sky and the cosmos Kushmanda is said to have created. It is a popular choice for Garba outfits in western India. The colour is a custom, not a requirement.
Wednesday, 14 October 2026, on Ashwin Shukla Chaturthi.
Traditionally from ku (little), ushma (warmth) and anda (cosmic egg) — the goddess who created the universe with a little warmth, or her smile.
Royal blue, in the commonly published 2026 sequence.
Malpua is the most popular offering.
Eight, which is why she is also called Ashtabhuja Devi.
Day 4 of Navratri 2026, on 14 October, honours Maa Kushmanda, the radiant creator of the cosmos. Offer malpua, chant her mantra and, if you wish, wear royal blue. Day 5 is dedicated to Maa Skandamata.
