The Navaratri (Sanskrit words that translates as nava-nine, ratri – night) is an auspicious festival observed during post monsoon autumn, September- October (called Sharad) and is widely celebrated across India and Hindus across the world. Navratri has different names and differs in the rituals and traditions in the way it is celebrated in different parts of India. It is a festive occasion that fills in joy and excitement through colours, music and dance.
In parts of Northeast India Durga puja is celebrated over a period of nine days. The festival honours the divine Goddess Durga who defeated the demon king Mahishasura in a battle. It is also said that the nine days celebrates the Devi – Durga, Lakshmi, Sarasawti in their different avatars along the nine day period.
‘Ramlila’ is staged in some of the north and western parts of India, that signifies the battle of Lord Rama over Ravana for nine days. Dusherra, the tenth day concludes his victory and celebration. While in South, Tamil Nadu Navaratri is celebrated placing Golu and inviting people home, in Gujarat the dandiya nights keeps everyone spell bound with dance and Indian fervour. Essentially, Navaratri, the celebration that continues over nine days is all about the battle and victory of good over evil.
Women as a central part to life & abundance
Each day of Navratri celebrates women, represented by the Devi embodying virtues that signify strength and empowerment. This women-centric celebration highlights the seamless role of women as the giver, fighter and sustainer of life. It is an enriching experience to learn how each day of Navaratri festival is devoted to Goddess, an epitome for everything.
Navaratri festival fills in joy and delight with the colours that adds a festive fervour to the entire celebration. Each form of Goddess is worshipped on a specific day of the week, and so the start of Navratri decides which colour pattern will be followed for the said year.
Navaratri Day 1 (Pratipada): Goddess Shailputri
The daughter of mountains, also called as Parvati, Bhavani and Hemavati is worshipped. This day the colour is yellow that stands for brightness, happiness and symbolizes strength.
Navaratri Day 2 (Dwitiya): Goddess Brahmacharini
Goddess Brahmacharini is the second form of Goddess Durga symbolizes knowledge and wisdom. The colour green used on this day signifies new beginnings, nature and growth.
Navaratri Day 3 (Tritiya): Goddess Chandraganta
This day worships Goddess Chandraganta. Grey is the colour for the day, which symbolises the strength, transformation and to fight over negative energies.
Navaratri Day 4 (Chaturthi):
Goddess Kushmanda also known as Ashtabhuja Devi depicts power and energy.Orange is the color and signifies energy, vibrancy and happiness.
Navaratri Day 5 (Panchami):
Goddess Skandamata is the fifth incarnation of Lord Durga, mother of Skanda is an epitome of love, purity and peace. And this day is celebrated adorning white colour.
Navaratri Day 6 (Shashti):
Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri. Goddess Katyayani, the warrior goddess is believed to slay the demon Mahisasura. Red is the colour that symbolizes action, bravery and fierceness.
Navaratri Day 7 (Saptami):
Goddess Kalaratri, is believed to be the destroyer of all demons, negative energies, and evil forms in life. Many call her to be Kali, Shubankari, the ever powerful one. Royal blue colour is adorned on this day.
Navaratri Day 8 (Ashtami):
Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on this day, who has the power to devoid one from ones sufferings and fulfill all desires of devotees. The colour pink adorned on this day symbolizes hope and wellbeing.
Navaratri Day 9 (Navami):
Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped on Navami, the ninth day of Navratri and the colour is purple. Goddess Siddhidatri is a giver of knowledge. The story of Lord Shiva being Ardhanarishwar (Part of Lord Shiva’s body is that of Goddess Siddhidatri) and he is said to have attained all the siddhis by worshipping her.