Vrat for Goddess Lalita on Ashwin Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of Navratri

Upang Lalita Vrat, also known as Lalita Panchami, is kept on Ashwin Shukla Panchami, the fifth day of Sharad Navratri, in honour of Goddess Lalita Tripura Sundari — the supreme Mother of the Shri Vidya tradition, beautiful beyond the three worlds. The Lalitopakhyana of the Brahmanda Purana tells how she arose from the fire of a great yajna performed by the gods, seated on a chariot of light, to destroy the demon Bhandasura, who had grown from the ashes of Kamadeva, and how she then re-established the order of creation. Devotees, especially in Maharashtra and Gujarat, keep a fast and worship the Goddess with red flowers, kumkum and the recitation of the Lalita Sahasranama, the thousand names of the Mother. The day coincides with the worship of Skandamata, the fifth form of Navadurga. The vrat is believed to grant happiness, prosperity, wisdom and marital harmony, and devotees pray especially for the removal of sorrows and the fulfilment of heartfelt wishes. In some temples the Goddess is adorned as Lalita and a special kumkum archana is offered.

Devotees fast from sunrise and break the fast after the evening puja.