India is a land of festivals and it is here where we worship different Gods and Goddess on numerous occasions. Navaratri is just round the corner and it is one of the largest festivals that are celebrated all over the country. The festival is celebrated to worship the different forms of the Mother Divine through chants, fasting, spiritual practices and prayers. It is during this time of the year that we turn inward, rejuvenate, nurture and replenish our soul. Goddess Durga manifests herself in nine different forms and each of them signifies something deep and subtle. These nine nights are considered to be valuable as there are subtle energies in the creation that are enriched during this time.
Navaratri will start from October 1st this year and the devotees are preparing to worship Goddess Durga, Saraswati, Laksmi. Durga Puja is traditionally celebrated in autumn every year and the puja starts with worshipping Navdurga that is Maa Shailputri and ends with the worship of Mata Siddhidatri. During these nine days, people keep fast and hold Garba or Dandia nights. One most important thing that you need to decide over is the color that you want to wear each day.
Since the fashion quotient cannot be avoided, here in this blog, I will tell you about the bright nine colors that will go with the theme of each auspicious day.
First day (Pratipada) Grey and orange: Navratri starts with a holy puja and the first day is known as pratipada. Goddess Durga is worshipped, so that she brings prosperity and good healthy to the family and home. A bowl of mud is placed and barley seeds are sown and the idol is worshipped as Shailputri, Shail means ‘Mountains’ and ‘Putri’ means daughter. The idol is dressed in grey and orange saree and even females are supposed to wear grey or orange attire.
Second day (Dwitiya) White: The second form of Goddess is the Brahmacharini who is worshipped on Dwitiya and the devotees offer sugar to her. The name itself means pious strictness and Goddess Parvati grants emancipation and prosperity. On this day the devotees wear white colored dresses and it represents spiritual grace and peace.
Third day (Tritiya) Red: On the third day, the Goddess is worshipped as Chandraghanta and the name refers to the half-moon that is on the forehead in the shape of a bell. Chandraghanta stands for bravery and fortitude and she is dressed in red attire. Devotes may wear red or white dress. On this day Sindoor Tritiya Sowbhagya Teej is also observed.
Fourth day (Chaturthi) Blue: On the fourth day, Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda and according to mythology it is believed that the universe was created by the goddess as she laughed. The name consists of three words ‘Ku’ which means ‘a little’, Usma means ‘energy’ and Anda means the ‘universe’. She is also called Ashtabhuja and is the creator of the universe. The idol is draped in red saree and the blue is the color that the devotees can wear.
Fifth day (Panchami) Yellow: On the fifth day the Goddess is honored and worshipped as Skandamata, which means mother of Kartikeya also known as Skanda. It is during this time that Goddess Durga brings prosperity at home. Kartikeya fought with the demons and Skandamata is depicted holding baby Kartikeya. On this day, the goddess is dressed in yellow saree and devotees are supposed to wear grey colored attire.
Sixth day (Sashti) Green: On Sashti, the Goddess is worshipped in the form of Katyayani. Hindu mythology states that Kata performed various rituals to welcome the goddess in the form of a daughter. The child born to Kata was known as Katyayani and she is dressed in green saree and worshippers are also supposed to wear green attire on that day.
Seventh day (Shaptami) Peacock Green: On Shaptami the goddess is worshipped as Kaalratri and is known to protect all from the negative powers and trouble. She is also known as Subhankari and the idol is portrayed as having dark complexion and in an aggressive posture. She protects all from troubles and anxiety. She is adorned with a Peacock green colored saree and even the devotes can wear the color during the puja.
Eighth Day (Ashtami) Purple: During Ashtami, Maa Durga is worshipped as Maha Gauri and symbolizes the tranquility, serenity and beauty. She is portrayed as white as snow and this is the form that she adopted to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She performed intense Tapaya without moving and this caused dust to collect over her. Lord Shiva cleaned her with water from Ganga and helped her regain her beauty. The Goddess is dressed in Purple color and this is also the color that the devotees wear during Astami.
Ninth / Tenth day (Navami / Dussehra) Sky Blue and Pink: Navami and Vijaya Dashami are celebrated with great enthusiasm by all the devotees and Goddess Durga is worshipped as Siddhidatri. Lord Shiva worshipped Siddhidatri and was granted all the Siddhis and came to be known as Ardhanarishvara. Devotees usually wear pink color attire and on the last day of Vijayadashami when idols of Ravana are burnt, people take out processions and celebrate the joy of good over evil.
So, here is the list of colors that you can follow during your Navaratri celebration and have a wonderful time with your family!
