The auspicious nine-day long Navratri festival began on Friday, 31 March and Goddess Kushmanda is worshiped on Day 4. Maa Kushmanda is worshipped by offering flowers and chanting the mantras. Shree Hari is also prayed along with Goddess Laxmi. Observing fast on this day removes all the diseases and pains of the devotee. After worshipping, Mata Kushmanda is offered Malpua as Bhog. Distributing this sacrament in the temples are also considered auspicious. Governing Planet - It is believed that Goddess Kushmanda provides direction and energy to the Sun. Hence God Sun is governed by Maa Kushmanda.