As the festival of Navratri approaches, Hindu devotees across the globe are gearing up to immerse themselves in divine fervour. Navratri, a festival dedicated to Goddess Durga, spans nine nights and is celebrated with immense devotion. Apart from the traditional rituals like worshipping the Goddess, fasting, and preparing special Navratri foods, there is a unique and colourful aspect that adds to the festive spirit – the nine colours of Navratri.
This year, the 9-day festival is starting on October 15 and culminating on October 23. Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour, symbolising different forms of Goddess Durga. The colours associated with specific forms of Goddess Durga hold immense importance for devotees.
Pratipada (October 15, 2023) – Orange
The first day, dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, signifies prosperity and fulfilment of wishes. Wearing orange on this day is believed to bring blessings and good fortune into one's life.
Dwitiya (October 16, 2023) – White
On the second day, devotees worship Goddess Brahmacharini seeking wisdom and knowledge. White is her favourite colour and it symbolises purity and enlightenment.
Tritiya (October 17, 2023) – Red
Goddess Chandraghanta, the embodiment of grace and bravery, is worshipped on the third day. Red represents strength, vigour and protection. It is believed that wearing this colour on Tritiya Tithi brings positivity, power and courage.
Chaturthi (October 18, 2023) – Blue (Royal Blue)
Goddess Kushmanda, revered on the fourth day, is associated with the divine energy that eliminates darkness. Royal Blue symbolises power and wealth, invoking the blessings of Goddess Kushmanda for good health and prosperity.
Panchami (October 19, 2023) – Yellow
Devotees honour Goddess Skandamata on the fifth day, seeking happiness, peace and prosperity. Yellow, her preferred colour, signifies joy and optimism, filling homes with harmony and abundance.
Sashti (October 20, 2023) – Green
Goddess Katyayani, worshipped on the sixth day, represents harmony and serenity. Green, the colour of nature, is considered as her favourite colour. It symbolises balance and growth, ensuring peace and tranquillity in life.
Saptami (October 21, 2023) – Grey
The seventh day is devoted to Goddess Kalaratri, the fierce form of Goddess Durga. Grey, representing strength and resilience, signifies the removal of ignorance and the triumph of knowledge over darkness.
Ashtami (October 22, 2023) – Purple
Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day. It’s believed that she bestows her devotees with peace and endurance. Purple is her favourite colour and it symbolises purity, peace and divinity.
Navami (October 23, 2023) – Peacock Green
The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who is known as the custodian of spiritual powers. She is worshipped by devotees to achieve success and prosperity. Peacock Green is the favourite colour of Maa Siddhidatri and it signifies the elimination of ignorance and the attainment of divine knowledge and wisdom.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
