Fifth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Fifth: Navadurga, Navadevi, Dasamahavidya and Saptamatrika Goddesses. In 2012, fifth day of Navratri date is October 19 in Ashwin Navratri and March 27 in Vasant Navratri.
As shuffle in tithis, Fifth day of Navratri is celebrated as Maha Sashti.
Colour of the day: Grey (20 October 2012)
Naivedyam of the day for Goddess (Food offerings to make): Atukulu, bellam (jaggery), senaga pappu (bengal gram) and coconut are offered as Naivedyam in South India. In North India, honey is offered as Nivedan (bhog).
Goddess Durga is adorned and worshipped as Saraswati Devi as part of Navadevi Alankarams.
Skandamata Navadurga puja is observed as part of Navadurga Puja (Shakteya Sampradaya).
Bhuvaneshwari Dasamahavidya puja is also performed by some other sects of devotees on Lalitha Panchami.
Goddess Indrani Devi (Aindri Devi) is worshipped as part of Saptamatrika and Ashtamatrika puja on fifth day.
Lalitha Sahasranama stotram, Bhuvaneshwari Ashtakam, and Varahi Anugrahashtakam are the most revered prayers to worship the Goddess on Lalita Panchami.