Navratri, one of the most widely celebrated festivals in Hinduism, spans nine days of devotion, fasting, and worship dedicated to the divine feminine energy embodied in Goddess Durga. During Navratri, devotees observe a particular colour each day, each of which holds profound spiritual meaning and is associated with a specific manifestation of the Goddess. These colours symbolize cosmic energy and the virtues of purity, strength, compassion, and devotion.
In this article, we will explore the significance of each of the nine colours of Navratri, their corresponding day, and the associated rituals. Additionally, we’ll dive into how wearing these colours invokes divine blessings and enhances spiritual vibrations during this sacred period.
Day 1: Orange (Pratipada) – Goddess Shailaputri
Colour Significance: The festival starts with the colour orange, symbolizing energy, enthusiasm, and positivity. It represents the beginning of the spiritual journey, brimming with new hope and determination. Devotees wear orange to invoke the dynamic qualities of Goddess Shailaputri, the first manifestation of Durga.
About Goddess Shailaputri: Shailaputri is the daughter of the mountains, and her worship on the first day represents stability, courage, and devotion. As she rides her bull, she carries the trident and lotus, symbols of divine power and spirituality.
Rituals: The day begins with the establishment of a ‘Kalash,’ symbolizing the goddess’ arrival in the home. Devotees offer flowers, particularly marigolds, which resonate with the vibrant energy of orange. Chanting the mantra, “Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah,” deepens the connection with the goddess.
Day 2: White (Dwitiya) – Goddess Brahmacharini
Colour Significance: The serene colour of white symbolizes purity, peace, and wisdom. Wearing white on the second day is believed to invoke calmness, devotion, and a focused mind, all qualities embodied by Goddess Brahmacharini.
About Goddess Brahmacharini: Known as the ascetic goddess, Brahmacharini represents penance and piety. Her calm yet powerful demeanor inspires her devotees to remain steadfast in their spiritual pursuits.
Rituals: Devotees offer sugar and white flowers, symbolizing purity and devotion. Meditation and recitation of “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah” are key practices on this day, focusing on inner peace and mental discipline.
Day 3: Red (Tritiya) – Goddess Chandraghanta
Colour Significance: Red represents power, passion, and courage. It is the colour of action, which reflects the warrior aspect of Goddess Chandraghanta. Wearing red invokes strength and confidence to overcome challenges.
About Goddess Chandraghanta: Chandraghanta’s form, adorned with a crescent moon on her forehead, signifies her warrior nature. She rides a tiger and holds weapons, ready to protect her devotees from evil forces.
Rituals: Devotees offer red flowers and pomegranates to the goddess, symbolizing strength and vitality. The mantra “Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah” is chanted to receive her blessings for courage.
Day 4: Royal Blue (Chaturthi) – Goddess Kushmanda
Colour Significance: Royal blue reflects divine energy and a powerful presence. It symbolizes health, wealth, and prosperity. Wearing this colour invokes Goddess Kushmanda’s blessings for overall well-being and fortune.
About Goddess Kushmanda: Goddess Kushmanda is credited with creating the universe with her divine smile. She brings light and energy to the cosmos, and her worship is essential for invoking cosmic harmony and prosperity.
Rituals: On this day, devotees offer pumpkins, which are associated with Goddess Kushmanda, to signify abundance. The mantra “Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah” is recited, and blue garments are worn to channel her strength.
Day 5: Yellow (Panchami) – Goddess Skandamata
Colour Significance: Yellow, the colour of sunshine and happiness, symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and clarity. On this day, devotees seek the blessings of Goddess Skandamata to overcome ignorance and darkness.
About Goddess Skandamata: Goddess Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), represents the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine. She blesses her devotees with prosperity and wisdom.
Rituals: Yellow flowers and fruits are offered to the goddess, and the mantra “Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah” is recited to seek protection and guidance.
Day 6: Green (Shashti) – Goddess Katyayani
Colour Significance: Green signifies growth, prosperity, and new beginnings. On the sixth day, devotees wear green to receive the blessings of Goddess Katyayani, who symbolizes courage and the destruction of negativity.
About Goddess Katyayani: As a fierce form of Durga, Katyayani is revered as the destroyer of evil and a protector of righteousness. She is known for her courage and power to annihilate demonic forces.
Rituals: Devotees offer green vegetables and fruits, such as spinach or guava, as a symbol of fertility and growth. Chanting the mantra “Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah” helps to invoke the goddess’s protection.
Day 7: Grey (Saptami) – Goddess Kalaratri
Colour Significance: Grey symbolizes destruction and the power to destroy ignorance and evil. It is associated with Goddess Kalaratri, who embodies the fierce and destructive aspect of the divine feminine.
About Goddess Kalaratri: Kalaratri is the most terrifying form of Durga, known for slaying demons and dispelling fear. Despite her fearsome appearance, she protects her devotees from negativity and evil.
Rituals: Offerings of black sesame seeds and jaggery are made to Kalaratri to remove obstacles. Devotees chant “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah” to seek her blessings for protection and courage.
Day 8: Purple (Ashtami) – Goddess Mahagauri
Colour Significance: Purple represents transformation, power, and ambition. On this day, devotees wear purple to invoke the blessings of Goddess Mahagauri for spiritual purification and liberation.
About Goddess Mahagauri: Mahagauri is a serene and compassionate form of Durga, representing purity and penance. Her worship helps in the attainment of spiritual liberation and fulfillment of desires.
Rituals: White sweets and purple flowers are offered to the goddess. Reciting the mantra “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah” helps in receiving her blessings for purification and wisdom.
Day 9: Peacock Green (Navami) – Goddess Siddhidatri
Colour Significance: Peacock green signifies the culmination of spiritual devotion, representing harmony and balance. It is the colour of completion and spiritual fulfillment. Devotees wear this colour to invoke the blessings of Goddess Siddhidatri.
About Goddess Siddhidatri: Goddess Siddhidatri grants her devotees spiritual powers (siddhis) and fulfillment of all desires. She completes the spiritual journey of Navratri by blessing her followers with wisdom and insight.
Rituals: Devotees offer peacock feathers or peacock green garments to symbolize grace and balance. Chanting the mantra “Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah” on this day helps to culminate the Navratri prayers and invoke her divine energy.
