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Friday, 16 October 2026 — the warrior goddess who slew Mahishasura
Navratri Day 6 falls on Friday, 16 October 2026 and honours Maa Katyayani, the sixth form of Navadurga and the warrior goddess who slew the buffalo demon Mahishasura. The colour of the day in the commonly published 2026 sequence is green.
For the complete calendar, see our Navratri 2026 guide to all 9 days.
| Detail | Day 6 |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 16 October 2026 |
| Tithi | Ashwin Shukla Shashthi |
| Goddess | Maa Katyayani |
| Colour of the day | Green |
| Mount | Lion |
| Arms | Four |
| Traditional bhog | Honey |
Katyayani is named after the sage Katyayana. According to tradition, the sage performed long penance hoping the goddess would be born as his daughter. When the gods combined their energies to create a goddess powerful enough to defeat Mahishasura, she first appeared in Katyayana's hermitage, and he was the first to worship her — so she became known as Katyayani, "daughter of Katyayana".
The demon Mahishasura, who could change between human and buffalo form, had won a boon making him nearly invincible against gods and men. He drove the gods from heaven. In response, the combined radiance of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and the other gods took shape as the goddess, each god giving her a weapon.
Riding her lion, she fought Mahishasura and finally killed him — the event celebrated as Mahishasuramardini, "slayer of Mahishasura". This victory is at the heart of Navratri and Durga Puja.
The Bhagavata Purana describes the young gopis of Vraj observing a month-long vow to Goddess Katyayani, praying for Lord Krishna as their husband. Because of this, Katyayani is widely worshipped by unmarried women seeking a suitable partner and by couples praying for harmony in marriage.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Arms | Four |
| Left hands | A sword and a lotus |
| Right hands | Abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (blessing) mudras |
| Complexion | Bright, golden |
| Mount | Lion |
Customs differ across communities; follow your own where they vary.
Name mantra:
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah
Dhyana shloka:
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना।
कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद् देवी दानवघातिनी॥
Meaning: "May Goddess Katyayani, whose hand shines with the Chandrahasa sword, who rides the great lion and slays demons, grant me auspiciousness."
Katyayani mantra from the Bhagavata Purana (recited by the gopis, popular among those praying for marriage):
कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि।
नन्दगोपसुतं देवि पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः॥
Honey is the offering traditionally associated with Maa Katyayani. Devotees believe it brings sweetness and attractiveness to one's personality and relationships. Some families also offer sweets or kheer sweetened with honey.
Green stands for growth, fertility and new beginnings — fitting for a day linked to marriage and the start of new life together. It also mirrors the barley sprouts growing beside the kalash. The colour custom is optional.
Friday, 16 October 2026, on Ashwin Shukla Shashthi.
Because the Bhagavata Purana describes the gopis observing a vow to Katyayani to win Krishna as their husband.
Green, in the commonly published 2026 sequence.
Honey is the traditional offering.
Goddess Durga in her Katyayani form, according to most traditions.
Day 6 of Navratri 2026, on 16 October, honours Maa Katyayani, the warrior goddess who defeated Mahishasura. Offer honey and red flowers, chant her mantra and, if you wish, wear green. Day 7 is dedicated to Maa Kalaratri.
