Navratri Day 6 2026: Maa Katyayani — Date, Colour, Mantra for Marriage, Bhog and Puja Vidhi
Navratri Day 6 in 2026 is Friday, 16 October, the day of Maa Katyayani — the warrior form of Durga, and the goddess to whom prayers for marriage are offered.
- Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
- Tithi: Shashthi — 3:26 AM on 16 October to 5:55 AM on 17 October
- Goddess: Maa Katyayani
- Sunrise (Delhi): 6:22 AM
- Colour (popular custom): Green
- Traditional bhog: Honey
Maa Katyayani: the sixth form of Durga
Katyayani is radiant and four-armed, carrying a sword and a lotus, with her other hands in the gestures of fearlessness and blessing, and she rides a lion. In many retellings she is the form in which the Goddess met and slew the buffalo-demon Mahishasura, which is why she is remembered as Mahishasuramardini on this day.
The story of Maa Katyayani
The sage Katyayana performed long austerities hoping the Goddess would be born as his daughter. When Mahishasura's tyranny grew unbearable, the combined radiance of the gods took form in Katyayana's ashram, and she was named Katyayani after him. Armed with the weapons of the gods, she rode out and destroyed Mahishasura. Her day is kept for courage, and for the removal of whatever blocks a rightful path.
Mantra and dhyana
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः॥
चन्द्रहासोज्ज्वलकरा शार्दूलवरवाहना। कात्यायनी शुभं दद्याद्देवी दानवघातिनी॥
The dhyana verse describes her holding the gleaming Chandrahasa sword and riding the finest of tigers, and asks the destroyer of demons for auspiciousness. Chant the short mantra 108 times.
Colour and bhog for Day 6
The colour for Friday, 16 October in the popular list is green. The traditional bhog is honey, offered in a small silver or brass vessel and then shared.
How to worship Maa Katyayani on Day 6
- Invoke Maa Katyayani at the kalash with the dhyana verse.
- Offer red flowers or red roses, akshat, kumkum and honey.
- Those praying for marriage chant the Bhagavata mantra below with devotion.
- Chant her mantra 108 times and close with the aarti.
The daily kalash, akhand jyoti and the general Navratri vidhi are in the Navratri 2026 guide.
The Katyayani vrata and the prayer for marriage
The Bhagavata Purana (10.22) tells how the young gopis of Vraja kept a month-long vrata to Katyayani on the banks of the Yamuna, praying for Krishna as their husband, with the words: कात्यायनि महामाये महायोगिन्यधीश्वरि। नन्दगोपसुतं देवि पतिं मे कुरु ते नमः॥ — "O Katyayani, great Maya, mistress of yoga, make the son of Nandagopa my husband; I bow to you." That is why her day draws those praying for a good marriage. In Bengal, Durga Puja's Maha Shashthi falls on Saturday, 17 October — see Durga Puja Maha Shashthi.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Navratri Day 6 in 2026?
On Friday, 16 October 2026. Shashthi runs from 3:26 AM on 16 October to 5:55 AM on 17 October.
Why is Maa Katyayani worshipped for marriage?
Because the Bhagavata Purana tells how the gopis of Vraja kept a vrata to Katyayani praying for Krishna as their husband; her mantra from that passage is recited by those praying for marriage.
What is the colour of Navratri Day 6 in 2026?
Green, in the popular list that assigns colours by weekday.
What bhog is offered to Maa Katyayani?
Honey is the traditional offering on the sixth day.
