The festival of fasting and celebrating feminine power is here. As the colours of Navratri define the incarnations of Goddess Durga, here is the order of colours that are associated with the event and can be worn over the next nine days
No garba nights this year, but you can still dress up following the colour-rule and celebrate Navratri with the same spirit. Image for representational purpose only. Photo: istock
The much-awaited nine-day festival of Navratri is here and even though the celebrations will remain subdued this year, the Gujarati community will look to make the most of it. While the thrill of dressing up according to the colour of the day and fasting will be possible, the previously much-enjoyed local garba nights will be difficult as they are not allowed by the state government due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, people can still revel in the festive spirit by wearing different attire in the designated colours, even if it is in a small way and take out their phones to click selfies.
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As each day of Navratri marks the birth of one form of Goddess Durga, the colours associated with the nine days in a way define the festival and the characteristics of female strength and power.
Here are the nine colours you need to reserve for the coming nine days starting today:
October 7, Yellow:
The first day of Navratri, also known as the Pratipada, marks the arrival of the Goddess Durga. On this day, devotees begin the Navratri fast and worship the first incarnation of the Goddess—Shailputri, daughter of the mountains.
The arrival is marked with yellow, being the colour of joy. This year on the first day of Navratri, devotees will wear different shades of the colour to kick-off the festival celebrations.
October 8, Green:
On the second day or ‘Dwitiya’, devotees worship Brahmacharani, the second incarnation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Durga, in the form of Brahmacharani, seeks spiritual knowledge and goes to the mountains for penance. The colour green, which will be worn on this day, symbolises nature, prosperity and energy.
October 9, Grey:
On ‘Tritiya’ or the third day, worshippers pay homage to the third incarnation of Durga, Chandraghanta. This form of the Goddess is characterised by a grey-coloured half-moon on her forehead. The subtle colour of grey symbolises her willingness and readiness to fight the evils tormenting her devotees. Owing to the significance, every participating devotee will wear different shades of the colour.
October 10, Orange:
The fourth day or ‘Chaturthi’ marks the presence of the Kushmanda, the next incarnation of Goddess Durga. In this form, the Goddess appears to be exuberant and powerful enough to light up the sun with her energy. The colour orange, which defines this vibrancy and happiness, will be a part of every person’s attire on this day.
October 11, White:
The fifth day or ‘Panchami’ is the day of fifth incarnation of the Goddess Durga. In the form of Skandamata, who is the mother of war-lord Kartikeya, Durga holds her baby in the lap defining the strength and warmth of a mother’s love towards her children. White symbolises peace and purity in the hearts of the devotees, who will proudly wear the colour on the day to depict their devotion.
October 12, Red:
On the sixth day, also known as ‘Shashti’, people will wear the colour red, as it symbolises one’s boldness, courage and passion in life. The day marks the arrival of Goddess Durga in the form of Katyayani, who is believed to have been birthed out of the anger of the Gods. Thus, the colour red best suits the fierceness of Katyayani.
October 13, Royal Blue:
On the seventh day or the ‘Saptami’ of the festival, devotees will welcome Kaalratri or Kaali, the seventh form of Goddess Durga. Kaali is known to be the Goddess of destruction of evils. People will wear royal blue as it signifies the intense energy of Kaali to destroy the bad and bring prosperity in the lives of the worshippers.
October 14, Pink:
Goddess Mahagauri, one of the nine forms of Durga arrives on the eighth day or ‘Athmi’ of Navratri. The colour pink for the day stresses on the significance of love, hope, affection and vigour in life. Wearing different shades of pink, devotees will celebrate the penultimate day of the festival.
October 15, Purple:
On the ninth and final day of Navratri, also known as ‘Navami’, devotees will welcome the Goddess Siddhidatri, who is believed to inspire people to pursue knowledge and their ambitions. The colour designated for the day is purple, which represents royalty, stability and power. On this day, devotees break their fast and perform a puja worshipping all the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
Now that you are aware of the colours for this year’s Navratri celebrations, it’s time to start digging through your closet and dress your best. Even if you have missed out on the first day, it is never too late to start preparations for the next eight days.
Also Read: Fasting this Navratri? Here are three falahari recipes for you to try
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