Navratri, a revered Hindu festival spanning nine nights, honors the divine manifestations of Goddess Durga. In 2024, it will begin on October 3 and conclude on October 11. Each day during Navratri is symbolized by a specific colour, carrying profound spiritual meanings. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the colours, the respective goddess of the day, and the associated symbolism.
Day-Wise Colour List and Their Meanings
Each day of Navratri is marked by a unique colour, embodying specific energies and attributes. Here’s the detailed list of colours, along with their significance:
| Day | Date | Navratri Colour | Goddess Name | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 3 | Yellow | Goddess Shailputri | Represents joy, brightness, and vitality. |
| Day 2 | October 4 | Green | Goddess Brahmacharini | Symbolizes growth, harmony, and renewal. |
| Day 3 | October 5 | Grey | Goddess Chandraghanta | Reflects stability and inner strength. |
| Day 4 | October 6 | Orange | Goddess Kushmanda | Embodies warmth, enthusiasm, and energy. |
| Day 5 | October 7 | White | Goddess Skandamata | Represents peace, purity, and serenity. |
| Day 6 | October 8 | Red | Goddess Katyayani | A symbol of power, passion, and devotion. |
| Day 7 | October 9 | Royal Blue | Goddess Kaalratri | Denotes elegance, royalty, and affluence. |
| Day 8 | October 10 | Pink | Goddess Mahagauri | Symbolizes compassion, love, and harmony. |
| Day 9 | October 11 | Purple | Goddess Siddhidatri | Reflects spirituality, ambition, and wealth. |
The Significance of White on the Fifth Day
On the fifth day, the colour white is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, embodying purity and tranquility. White, often revered for its ability to evoke divine blessings, brings an atmosphere of peace and serenity during this day of Navratri.
Symbolism of White
- Purity and Innocence: White universally signifies purity and innocence, acting as a beacon of renewal and hope. It’s also the traditional choice for weddings, symbolizing the beginning of a new, untarnished chapter.
- Calmness and Serenity: White has a calming effect, often associated with spaces intended for relaxation. It promotes mental peace and helps alleviate stress.
- Divine Connection: Across various religions, white is seen as a symbol of holiness and spirituality. It represents enlightenment and the sacred, as seen in religious ceremonies where white garments symbolize purity.
The Divine Skandamata
Goddess Skandamata, the fifth form of Navadurga, is deeply connected to the birth of Kartikeya, often depicted riding a lion and holding her child, Skanda, in her arms. Her serene and compassionate nature reflects her role as a nurturing mother, a symbol of love and maternal care.
In Hindu mythology, Skandamata’s devotion to her son Kartikeya, who was born to slay the demon Tarakasura, represents the victory of good over evil through motherhood. Her devotees seek blessings for wisdom, strength, prosperity, and inner peace, striving to attain higher levels of consciousness through their prayers.
In-Depth Colour Significance Across Days
- Yellow (Day 1): This colour signifies joy and optimism and is associated with Goddess Shailputri. Yellow symbolizes knowledge and is a fitting start to Navratri’s spiritual journey.
- Green (Day 2): Goddess Brahmacharini’s colour, green, represents growth and new beginnings. It’s seen as a harbinger of prosperity, connected to fertility and the flourishing of life.
- Grey (Day 3): Linked to Goddess Chandraghanta, grey embodies balance and stability. It inspires inner calm and detachment from negativity.
- Orange (Day 4): The warm hue of orange, associated with Goddess Kushmanda, reflects enthusiasm and creativity. It encourages positivity throughout the celebrations.
- White (Day 5): Dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, white invokes a sense of peace and purity, creating a serene atmosphere during this sacred period.
- Red (Day 6): Red, the colour of Goddess Katyayani, embodies strength and passion. It invigorates the environment with its bold energy, reinforcing devotion.
- Royal Blue (Day 7): This majestic colour, connected to Goddess Kaalratri, represents elegance and royalty. Devotees believe it attracts health, wealth, and fortitude.
- Pink (Day 8): Pink, symbolizing Goddess Mahagauri, stands for love and compassion, cultivating harmony among devotees during this auspicious time.
- Purple (Day 9): On the final day, purple is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, symbolizing spirituality and ambition. It’s believed to bring prosperity and deepen one’s spiritual devotion.
Conclusion
Navratri’s vibrant colours not only enhance the festive atmosphere but also serve as a reminder of the divine virtues embodied by each goddess. As devotees embrace these colours, they reflect on values such as love, strength, peace, and spirituality, creating a meaningful and transformative spiritual journey throughout the festival.
