Navaratri : Significance, 9 Colors & Rituals

Shardiya Navaratri, also known as Navaratri, is one of the most important festivals celebrated in India dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine Shakti forms. Celebrated for nine days, the festival symbolizes the battle between good and evil, culminating in a victory on the tenth day. It is a period when Goddess Durga is worshipped, and it is a time for great devotion, wisdom, power, energy, and fasting. Read below to know about Navaratri Goddess Durga, her nine forms, and significance, colors and more.

 Significance of Navaratri

Various tales in Hindu mythology explain the festival’s origins. One among them is the story of the king of demons, Mahishasura, who fought against all the gods in heaven. In response, all the deities, including the Trimurtis, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, combined their powers to create an embodiment of Shakti and power, Goddess Durga. The battle lasted for nine nights. Durga eventually defeated Mahishasura, and the tenth day is celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Another tale is about Lord Rama, who went to rescue Sita from Ravana. Before starting the battles, Rama worshipped Shakti, the Goddess Durga, asking for her blessings. During the Pooja, he needed 108 lotuses, but was one short of the count. When he could not arrange for it, he was about to give one of his eyes, and the goddesses appeared and blessed him with power. Rama won the battle, and Vijaya Dashami was celebrated.

 Navaratri, 2025 Festivals and Dates

Navaratri is a festival and a culture rooted in the awareness of the human system’s relationship to the Sun, Moon, Earth, and other elements of the divine. Navaratri means “nine nights” and begins after Amavasya (new moon). The first day of this lunar cycle, until the ninth day, called Navami, is considered feminine energy as it represents Devi (a divine feminine aspect). 1.5 days around the full moon is neutral, and the eighteen days are masculine in nature. Traditionally, the first upto nine days of this phase are dedicated to the feminine energy.

While there are 12 nine-day periods every year, with a focus on a different feminine divine aspect, the Navaratri that falls in October is the most significant. This is dedicated to the goddess of learning, Sharada. Here is the list of nine nights, their significance and the color to wear.

Day 1: Monday, September 22nd, Devi Shailputri festival and Ghatasthapana on Pratipada tithi. This is the first day of Navaratri, during which the Goddess Shailputri, a form of Goddess Parvati, the daughter of the Mountain God, is worshipped.

Yellow: Devotees wear this color as it is believed to bring positivity and happiness to life. It signifies joy and warmth, and the wearer feels cheerful and calm all through the year.

 Day 2: Tuesday, September 23rd, the festival of Devi Brahmacharini Pooja on Dwitiya tithi. Brahmacharini is a form of Durga. Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped on this day, who symbolises the moderation of anger.

Green: It is the color that represents peace, serenity, growth, and fertility. Wearing this colour brings peace of mind and a successful new beginning to your life.

 Day 3: Wednesday, September 24th, Devi Chandraghanta Pooja festival on Tritiya tithi. Devi Chandraghanta is one of the forms of Shakti, and she is depicted as having a third eye, battling the demons. Jasmine flowers are presented to her at the time of Pooja to appease her.

Grey: It's the color to be dressed in on day 3. It signifies a balance of emotions, and being an earthy color, it symbolizes humility and no-nonsense conduct. Wearing grey represents transformation and change.

 Day 4: Thursday, September 25th, festival of Devi Kushmanda Pooja on Chaturthi tithi. Kushmanda translates as "cosmic egg", and it is a worship day for the Goddess Kushmanda, who is believed to diffuse warmth and energy to all.

Orange: It is a color that infuses positive energy, creativity and joy. Wearing this color helps you approach life problems with positive feelings and a calm mind.

 Day 5: Friday and Saturday, September 26-27, the festival of Devi Skandamata Pooja on Panchami tithi. This day is devoted to the ruler of Budha (planet Mercury), Goddess Skandamata. She is worshipped for her fierce but loving nature.

White: It is a symbol of harmony and peace. Wearing a white costume on this day helps you with purity, happiness and security.

 Day 6: Saturday, September 27th, the festival of Devi Katyayani Pooja on Maha Shashti tithi. On this day, it is said that Goddess Durga took the form of Katyayani to kill Mahishasura, the king of demons. Women pray to her on this day for a peaceful family life.

Red: It is worn on this day as it is a color that signifies bravery, passion and love. Wearing this colour helps women be blessed with beauty, vitality and loyalty for the rest of the year.

 Day 7: Sunday, September 28th,  the festival Devi Kalaratri Pooja, on Maha Saptami tithi. This festival is dedicated to Kalaratri, who is said to have a fierce nature and terrify evil spirits. She is the ruler of Lord Shani (Saturn) and is one of Mother Kali’s most destructive forms.

Royal Blue: It signifies royalty and elegance. Wearing this color brings a passion to excel and a charisma in life.

 Day 8: Monday and Tuesday, September 29, 30, the festival of Devi Mahagauri Pooja and Maha Ashtami tithi. It is one of the most significant days of Navaratri, during which people worship Mahagauri, who is depicted riding a bull and dressed in white. It is referred to as Maha Durgashtami or Mahastami. A unique function, Kanya Pooja, is celebrated for young girls on this day. Prayer, dance, and fun-filled functions are held on this day.

Pink: It symbolises goodness, harmony and affection. The color is stated to make the wearer charming and human, loved by all.

 Day 9: Tuesday and Wednesday, September 30, October 1, the festival of Devi Siddhidatri Pooja on Maha Navami tithi. It is said that Devi Siddhidaatri is a giver of all wishes, and hence the ninth day is devoted to her.

Purple: It is a color of nobility and peace. Donning this color on Navami is believed to appease Durga Devi and usher in opulence and wealth.

 Day 10: Wednesday and Thursday, October 1, October 2, the festival of Dashami and Dussehra on the Dasami tithi. After nine days of worshipping various forms of Durga Devi, the tenth day is a day for the celebration of victory over evil. It is also referred to as Vidyarambham, a good time for new activities, particularly initiating toddlers into learning.

Peacock green: It represents intelligence, individuality and evokes compassion, peace and uniqueness.

 Conclusion

Navaratri is a joyous time for celebration, awakening, and devotion. Celebrate the occasion with faith and commitment to receive the gifts of joy, prosperity, and divine favor in your life.

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