Navratri (meaning nine nights) is a major Hindu festival held in honour of the divine feminine, celebrated every year in the autumn and spans over nine nights (and ten days). It symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is dedicated to Durga, the mother goddess who represents power. Durga annihilated the demon Mahishasura after a relentless battle lasting nine days and nights. Navratri is a festival in which God is adored as Mother. Hinduism is the only religion in the world which has emphasised to such an extent the motherhood of God. One of the most significant aspects of the festivities is that different colours are associated with each of the nine days. People will dress in specific colours for devotees in each of the nine days. Navratri is one of India's most significant festivals and is celebrated by communities getting together for dances and nightly feasts. While they worship the same deity, some rituals may vary.

NAVRATRI 2020 – Colours

Saturday 17^th October – Ghatasthapana / Pratipada
GREY
The first day of Narvatri commences when Kalash Sthapana is done. On this day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Shailputri and the colour ‘Grey' refers to the quality of destruction of evil.

Sunday 18^th October – Dwitiya
ORANGE
On the second day of Navratri, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Brahmacharini and the colour ‘orange' symbolises tranquillity, brightness and knowledge.

Monday 19^th October – Tritiya
WHITE
On the third day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Chandraghanta and the colour ‘White' represents peace, serenity, calm and purity.

Tuesday 20^th October – Chaturthi
RED
On the fourth day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Kushmanda and the colour ‘Red' symbolises passion, auspiciousness as well as anger.

Wednesday 21^st October – Panchami
ROYAL BLUE
On the fifth day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Skanda Mata and the colour ‘Royal Blue' represents divine energy.

Thursday 22^nd October – Sashti
YELLOW
On the sixth day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Katyayani and the colour ‘Yellow' symbolises joy and cheerfulness.

Friday 23^rd October – Saptami
GREEN
On the seventh day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Kalaratri and the colour ‘Green' refers to the various aspects of Mother Nature and its nourishing qualities.

Saturday 24^th October – Ashtami
PEACOCK GREEN
On the eighth day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Gauri and the colour ‘Peacock Green' represents the desires and wishes that get fulfilled.

Sunday 25^th October – Navami
PURPLE
On the ninth day, Maa Durga is worshipped in the form of Siddhidhatri and the colour ‘Purple' represents ambition, goal and energy.


(Images: Sonika Agarwal)