"The one who bestows auspiciousness on one and all, the one who accomplishes all objectives, to the mother of the three worlds, O Gauri, I bow again and again to you."
Navratri
Know date, significance, history and more about one of the biggest Hindu festivals.
The Pitra Paksha, dedicated to the ancestors and their departed souls, has come to an end, and the nine days festival of worshipping Goddess Durga as Shakti will be celebrated all over India. The word “Navratri” means nine nights. This festival is majorly held in honor of the divine feminine.
During Navratri, nine forms of Maa Durga are worshipped. It marks the advent of Goddess Durga on Earth. As per the Hindu calendar, the festival of Navratri starts from the first day of the Shukla Paksh of Ashwin month. Sharad Navratri, the nine days festivities lasts for nine days. On the last day of Sharad Navratri, idols of Maa Durga are immersed at the ghats (river banks).
The festivities of Navratri begin with Kalash Sthaphna (establishing a “sacred pot”).
Mangal Kalash ( Sacred Pot)
During this nine-day-long auspicious period, devotees observe fast and sing bhajans (devotional songs) to invoke Goddess Durga and her nine forms or avatars. An eternal flame is lit in the house for nine days.Guajarati traditional dance Garba is performed around centrally lit lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti.
A woman performing Garba
On Ashtami or Navami, people prepare a special bhog (food offered to God) of kale chane, poori, halwa and invite young girls to their homes. These young girls are considered to be an incarnation of Maa Durga's nine swaroopas. People wash the feet of the girls first, then tie mauli (sacred thread) around their wrist and lastly serve them the pious bhog. This entire process is known as "Kanjak Pooja".
Significance of the nine colors of Navratri2021
Navratri festivities are filled with vibrant colors. These colors are visible in the dresses, decorations and designs all around you. Many people follow the special colors of Navratri. Wearing the colors according to the days brings in peace, harmony, and prosperity, blessings and good luck. Every year, while the colors remain the same, the order varies depending on the day Navratri falls .Let us take you through the 9 colors for each day.
Nine colors of Navratri
- First Day (7th October) - Pratipada - Yellow
- Second Day (8th October) - Dwitiya - Green
- Third-Day (9th October) - Tritiya - Grey
- Fourth Day (9th October) - Chaturthi - Orange
- Fifth Day (10th October) - Panchami - White
- Sixth Day (11th October) - Shashti - Red
- Seventh Day (12th October) - Saptami - Royal Blue
- Eighth Day (13th October) - Ashtami - Pink
- Ninth Day (14th October) - Navami - Purple
Navratri Day 1: Yellow
The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, also known as the daughter of mountains. She is an embodiment of patience and devotion. She is depicted with two hands and has a crescent moon on her forehead. The color of this day is yellow. It is a happy youthful color, full of hope and positivity. Yellow color stands for happiness and brightness.
Navratri Day 2: Green
On the second day, Goddess Brahmcharini, the second avatar of Goddess Durga is worshipped. She represents love, loyalty, knowledge and wisdom. The color of this day is green. Green color signifies new beginnings and growth and tranquility.
Navratri Day 3: Grey
The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Devi Chandraghanta. She is the goddess of spirituality and internal strength. She wears a grey-colored half-moon on her forehead. The goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demons, negative energies and evil spirits. The color of this day is grey, which stands for the strength of transforming.
Navratri Day 4: Orange
The fourth avatar of Goddess Durga is Kushmanda. Her luminosity and bewitching smile lights up the Sun. Hence, a bright and vibrant color, orange symbolizes her happiness and energy. Orange is an energetic color which signifies feelings of enthusiasm, warmth and excitement.
Navratri Day 5: White
The fifth incarnation of Devi is Skandamata – mother of Skanda or Kartikeya, the war-god. The Devi holding her baby in her lap is a symbol of the purity of a mother’s love. Hence, the color of this day is “white” which represents purity and innocence. It also symbolizes peace, purity, and prayer in devotees’ hearts when they worship her.
Navratri Day 6: Red
Devi Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. She is seen as the slayer of tyrannical demon Mahishasura. She is a fierce form of Goddess Durga believed to be formed out of the anger of the Gods. Therefore, the color red is associated with her. Red symbolizes action, vigor, life, health, courage, love and religious fervor.
Navratri Day 7: Blue
The seventh avatar of Devi is Kaalratri. She is a destructive form of the Goddess and is also called Kali. Her powerful energy is embodied in the color blue. Hindus worship Goddess Kalaratri on this day. The goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demons, negative energies, evil spirits and ghosts. The goddess is also known as Shubankari due to the belief that she always provides auspicious results to her devotees.
Navratri Day 8: Pink
On the eighth the day of Navratri, Devi Mahagauri is worshipped. She is the fulfiller of all desires. The color pink symbolizes hope and freshness of perspective. This is the day of Kanjak. The day is celebrated by feeding small girls who are considered to be the avatar of the goddess.
Navratri Day 9: Purple
The ninth day of Navratri is dedicated to Devi Siddhidatri. She is the giver of knowledge and helps you achieve your aspirations. The color signifies the power of intellect and peace. Hence, the color purple represents ambition and power.
Aren’t you fascinated by the various names and forms of the Devi? With knowledge of the significance of the Navratri colors, you can don an appropriate look. Keep these color codes in mind when you are attending the Navratri functions. Sport a different outfit every day with the accompanying accessories.
“Shubh Navratri”
Shubhra Joshi
Consulting Stylist