Navratri is a 9-day Hindu festival celebrated in the autumn every year. It is observed for worshipping the nine forms of Goddess Durga. The festival is celebrated in different ways across India, but dressing up in new clothes and wearing specific colors each day based on the particular form of the Goddess is an integral part of the celebrations.
Significance of Colors in Navratri
Each day of Navratri is associated with one of the nine forms of Goddess Durga and has a designated color. The color signifies the traits embodied by the particular avatar being worshipped on that day. Wearing the appropriate color on each day is believed to please the Goddess and bring good luck and prosperity.
Here is an overview of the nine colors of Navratri and their significance:
| Day | Color | Form of Goddess | Significance of Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Yellow | Shailputri | Energy, vitality |
| Day 2 | Green | Brahmacharini | Fertility, new beginnings |
| Day 3 | Grey | Chandraghanta | Detachment, wisdom |
| Day 4 | Orange | Kushmanda | Joy, cheerfulness |
| Day 5 | White | Skandamata | Purity, humility |
| Day 6 | Red | Katyayani | Power, courage |
| Day 7 | Royal Blue | Kalratri | Calmness, tranquility |
| Day 8 | Yellow | Mahagauri | Wisdom, intelligence |
| Day 9 | Peacock Green | Siddhidatri | Spirituality, divine love |
Most Significant Color of Navratri
Although each color has its own significance during Navratri, yellow is considered the most iconic and important shade.
There are a few reasons why yellow holds special meaning:
- Yellow is associated with the first and last days of Navratri when Goddess Shailputri and Goddess Siddhidatri are worshipped.
- It symbolizes cheerfulness, auspiciousness, energy and optimism.
- Yellow is believed to grant knowledge, help concentrate the mind and remove lethargy.
- Goddess Durga’s lion mount is usually depicted as yellow in color.
- Yellow turmeric is used extensively in Navratri rituals and to prepare bhog or prasad.
- On Vijaydashami, which marks the end of Navratri, devotees offer yellow flowers, sweets and fruits to the Goddess.
Due to these reasons, yellow has become the quintessential Navratri color that represents the festival’s spirit of joy, devotion and new beginnings.
Regional Differences in Navratri Colors
While the nine colors of Navratri hold significance universally, there are some variations in the colors used regionally:
Northern, Central and Western India
In the northern, central and western parts of India, the traditional Navratri color sequence is strictly followed. People wear yellow on the first and last day, while adhering to the remaining seven colors on their respective days.
Eastern and Northeastern India
In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, only white-colored dresses and sarees are worn during the main Navratri festival. The commonly followed color sequence is not observed.
Gujarat
In Gujarat, women wear chaniya choli in three different colors during Navratri – one set each for the first three days, second three days and last three days. The colors are as per the traditional sequence, but solid colors are preferred over prints.
Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, saris and dresses in bright, vivid shades of red, green, blue and yellow are commonly worn to celebrate Navratri. The traditional color sequence is not followed.
Karnataka
In Karnataka, the last three days of Navratri are celebrated in a unique way. The Goddess is worshipped as Saraswati, Lakshmi and Durga on these days in white, red and green outfits respectively.
Navratri Color Sequence Over the Years
While the core Navratri color sequence has remained constant for centuries, there have been some modifications over the last few decades:
| Period | Color Sequence |
|---|---|
| Before 1990s | Yellow, green, grey, orange, white, red, royal blue, pink, sky blue |
| 1990s – early 2000s | Yellow, green, grey, orange, white, red, sky blue, pink, purple |
| Mid 2000s – present | Yellow, green, grey, orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, peacock green |
The changes reflect evolving color preferences and aesthetics over the years. But the essence of associating each deity with a particular color remains unchanged.
Celebrating Navratri with Colors
Following the Navratri color sequence is a great way to attune oneself to the different aspects of the Divine Feminine. Here are some tips to celebrate Navratri with colors:
- Buy or use saris, salwar suits or dresses in the right Navratri shades.
- Accessories like stoles, bangles and footwear can complement the outfit colors.
- Decorate puja altars with flowers, fabric or rangoli in the appropriate colors.
- Make sweet treats with colored icing or churan matching the Navratri colors.
- Use colored powder to make footprints from the entry to the prayer room.
- Light candles of the relevant shade each day.
- Have a different colored floral gajra or hair accessory daily.
Even children and men can observe the colors by wearing kurtas, T-shirts or accessories in Navratri hues.
Conclusion
Colors form an intrinsic part of Navratri festivities. While all shades hold meaning, yellow represents the vibrancy, cheer and sanctity of the festival. Regional customs show interesting variations in Navratri colors. But irrespective of the outfits or decor, the colors infuse the atmosphere with faith and devotion. Observing the correct color each day brings blessings of Maa Durga’s different forms and ushers in positivity.
