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 Navratri is one of the major festivals observed in India. It literally means nine nights and is celebrated with much fervour and zeal, especially amongst the Hindus. This nine-day festival is celebrated to honour the 9 incarnations of Goddess Durga.

This festival is celebrated with much grandeur and has a lot of customs and rituals which are associated with it. One of them is wearing different-coloured clothes on all the nine days as all the days have different colours attached to them.

Apart from other Navratri essentials, another important custom is eating specific dishes and food items on particular days. This year Chaitra Navratri is falling on 6th April 2022 and will go on till 14th April 2022.
So, in order to make it easier for you, we have broken down the colours and food items that are related to each day.

1. Navratri Day 1

This day is dedicated to honouring the Shailputri avatar of Goddess Durga and the colour of this day is grey. Devotees are expected to wear grey-coloured clothes while worshipping the idol of the Goddess. One can make kuttu ki poori (Buckwheat flour) on this day.


2. Navratri Day 2

The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmcharini, who is known for her calm energy and granting the way to ‘Moksha’. The colour of the day is orange, which depicts the name, fame and money. Motichoor laddu is orange in colour and devotees can make them on this day.

3. Navratri Day 3

This day is dedicated to the worshipping of Goddess Chandraghanta. The Goddess is worshipped for granting peace and prosperity. The colour of third day is white. You can cook makhane ki kheer (fox nuts) on this day.


4. Navratri Day 4

The colour of the day is red, which reflects passion and power. It is also known to be Goddess’s favourite colour. Devotees worship Goddess Kushmunda on the fourth day. You can have beetroot and carrot juice on this day.


5. Navratri Day 5

Day 5 is dedicated to honouring Goddess Skand Mata, who is the 5th avatar of Goddess Durga. She is the mother of Lord Karthikeya, who was chosen by the gods as their commander-in-chief in the war against the demons. The colour of the day is sky blue. Hence, the devotees may have dried blueberry and prunes on this day.

6. Navratri day 6

Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on the 6th day of Navratri. She is the 6th manifestation of Maa Durga. She is known to be the destroyer the evil forces. On this day, pink colour is worn by the devotees, which symbolises hope and new beginnings. You can cook rose petal kulfi on this day.

7. Navratri day 7

The 7th day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Kaalratri, who is considered to be the most fierce form of Goddess Durga. She is known to provide power and calmness to her devotees. The colour of the day is royal blue. One can have nariyal ki barfi on this day.

8. Navratri day 8

Maa Mahagauri is the Goddess, who is worshipped on the 8th day of Navratri. The colour of the day is yellow which signifies happiness and positivity in life. The 8th day is also celebrated as ‘Ashtami’. You can cook kesar ki kheer to please the Goddess.

9. Navratri day 9

On the 9th and final day of Navratri, Goddess Siddhidatri is worshipped, who is considered to be the possessor of 26 different wishes. The colour of the last day is green, which symbolizes prosperity. You can prepare a sweet dish of bottle gourd to celebrate this day.

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01/12Navratri colors: Nine colors of Navratri and their significance

Navratri is a Hindu festival celebrated twice a year in the country – during the months of Chaitra (March-April) and Sharada (October-November). The word Navratri means nine nights in Sanskrit and is a festival that spans nine days in both these months. For these nine days, nine Navratri colors are designated, each with its significance.

Navratri is celebrated in different ways in different parts of the country. However, the triumph of the Hindu goddess Kali or Durga is the basic idea behind the celebration. Navratri is loved and cherished by countless women across the country, who fast, prepare special foods and beverages, dress up and visit friends and family all through these nine days.

The Chaitra Navaratri culminates in Ram Navami and the Sharada Navaratri culminates in Durga Puja and Vijayadashami.

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02/12Durga

In the past, Shakta Hindus used to recite Durga's legends during the Chaitra Navaratri, but this practice around the spring equinox has been declining. For most contemporary Hindus, it is the Navaratri around the autumn equinox that is the major festival and the one observed. To Bengali Hindus and to Shakta Hindus outside of the eastern and northeastern states of India, the term Navaratri implies Durga Puja in the warrior goddess aspect of Devi. In other traditions of Hinduism, the term Navaratri implies the celebration of Durga but in her more peaceful forms, such as Saraswati – the Hindu goddess of knowledge, learning, music, and other arts. In Nepal, Navaratri is called Dashain and is a major annual homecoming and family event that celebrates the bonds between elders and youngsters with Tika Puja, as well as across family and community members.

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03/12The nine colours

A specific color has been assigned to each day of Navratri. Incorporating that particular color in your life during Navratri is considered auspicious. During Navratri, wearing a similar color dress as that Navratri color of the day is in vogue among women, especially in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Hence, women adorn themselves with a specific color dress and accessories during each day of Navratri. Whether it is going to work or going for Dandiya and Garba, women are excited about wearing a specific color dress during each day of Navratri. Here is all you need to know about the nine days of Navratri and their significant colors. The nine forms of Mata Durga which is worshipped during Navratri are: Shailputri on Pratipada; Brahmacharini on Dwitiya; Chandarghanta on Tritiya; Kushmanda on Chaturthi; Skand Mata on Panchami; Katyayani on Shashthi; Kaalratri on Saptami; Mahagauri on Ashtami and Siddhidatri on Navami.

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04/12Navratri Day 1 : White

Day one of Navratri starts with white color which symbolizes peace and serenity. Maa Shailapuri is worshipped on this day. She is among one the forms of Goddess Durga. The Goddess is dressed in White attire on the first day. To plan your Navratri mandir decoration with the white color theme, you can opt for white Tulip flowers. You can decorate the wall behind the mandap with beautiful white tulips.

05/12Navratri Day 2: Red

06/12Navratri Day 3: Royal Blue

On the third day of Navratri, wear Royal Blue to enjoy the festivities with unmatched elegance and grace. Richness and serenity are symbolized by the bright shade of blue known as royal blue. Maa Chandraghanta, the goddess, is worshipped on this day. any decoration is incomplete without flowers, Thus, to start the exciting 10 days of Navratri 2022 you can bring in the vibrant blue orchids and create a jali design background with blue orchids to add detailing behind the idols.

07/12Navratri Day 4: Yellow

The fourth day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Maa Kushmanda. It is the day of Chaturthi and yellow is the color of the day. It is the color to celebrate the joy and enthusiasm of Navaratri and the warm color that keeps the person cheerful all day. Marigold flowers are known to appeal to the principal deity and work well as Navratri mandir decoration. You can also add marigold flowers to a floating lamp and place them in the mandir.

08/12Navratri Day 5 : Green

Green is the color of day fifth. It symbolizes nature and evokes a sense of growth, fertility, peace, and serenity. Goddess Skandmata is worshipped on this day. Green also represents new beginnings in life. his day you can opt for a traditional Navratri mandir decoration theme with Ashoka/ mango leaves. You can make a toran with mango leaves with marigold flowers in between and hang it on the mandir entrance.

09/12Navratri Day 6 : Grey

The colors of the sixth day are grey and Goddess Katyayani is worshipped on this day. Grey color represents balanced emotions and keeps the person down-to-earth. For this day instead of using grey color for mandir decoration, you can create the mandap with mirror work cloth. This will give the Navratri mandir decoration a lively yet subtle look.

10/12Navratri Day 7 : Orange

On this day worship goddess Kalratri wearing orange color. The color represents warmth and exuberance and is full of positive energy. For Navratri Day 7 take a long string of orange and yellow marigold flowers and decorate the mandir mandap giving it a temple-style shape.

11/12Navratri Day 8: Peacock green

It is the day of Goddess Mahagauri and peacock green is the color of the day. The color implies uniqueness and individuality. It is a color of compassion and freshness. And with that here’s another Navratri mandir decoration idea to create an amazing mandap using peacock feathers.

12/12Navratri Day 9 : Pink

Wear pink on the last day of the Navratri celebration and worship goddess Siddhidatri. Pink symbolizes universal kindness, affection, and harmony. It is a subtle shade of tenderness that promises unconditional love and nurturing. Now go creative and make some DIY wall hangings or handicrafts with pink and some contrasting Navratri colors to give your Navratri mandir decoration a personalized touch.

Nav thitri

 Navratri is a festival dedicated to worship the Hindu Goddess Durga. In Sanskrit, the word ‘nava’ means nine and ‘ratri’ means nights i.e. ‘nine nights’. Each of these nine days of Navratri is dedicated to a particular Goddess who is worshiped on that day. The first form of Maa Durga is Shailputri, who was born to the King of Mountains. In Sanskrit, Shail means the mountain and ‘putri’ means daughter. Goddess Shailputri is an absolute form of Mother Nature and is also referred to as Goddess Parvati, the companion of Lord Shiva and mother of Lord Ganesha and Kartikeya.

Origin and History

As per the Mythology, it is said that Shailputri in her earlier birth was the daughter born to, Daksh Prajapati. She was named as ‘Sati’ and was married to Lord Shiva. In a sacrificial ceremony planned by Daksh Prajapati, he offended Lord Shiva as he was not in favor of this marriage. In this unendurable situation, Sati sacrificed her body and jumped into a yogic fire.

In her next birth she incarnated as Goddess Parvati, the daughter of Parvatraj Himalaya. Like her previous birth in this life also, she got married to Lord Shiva. Among all the nine forms of Goddess Durga, she has been referred to as Shailputri or Himavati. Hence, on the first day of Navratra, she is worshiped with great devotion and zeal.

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Before the festival of Navratri, people clean their houses and even get them white-washed. This festival starts off with placing images of Goddess Durga at homes, temples and pandals. Devotees shower their prayers towards the Goddess in forms of bhajans and mantras. Also, they offer her fruits and flowers. Since all the nine days are dedicated to different incarnations of Maa Durga, the rituals vary each day.

The Ritual: The ritual starts with the Ghatasthapana where Goddess Shailputri is worshiped with flowers, rice, roli and sandalwood. Also, a Kalash is filled with 7 kinds of soil (Saptmritika), clay, nut and five kinds of coins. Below this Kalash, 7 kinds of grains and barley seeds are sown, that are harvested on the tenth day. These crops are then offered to all gods and goddesses.

The Mantra: While worshiping Goddess Shailputri, devotees chant “Om Devi Shailputryai Swaha” for 108 times.

Also, they recite

Vande Vanchhit Laabhaay, Chandrardhkritshekharaam |

Vrisharudham Shooldharaam Shailputriim Yashaswinim ||

Meaning: “I worship Goddess Shailputri to fulfill my wishes, who is adorned with half moon on her head, rides on a bull, carry a trident and is illustrious.”

Bhog (Offerings): On this day, fast is observed and pure Ghee is offered on the foot of Goddess Shailputri. It is believed that by offering this bhog, the devotees are blessed with a disease free life.

Attire: On this day, Goddess Shailputri is embellished in a ‘red’ saree, and the color which is regarded auspicious to wear for devotees is also ‘red’.

Ideal Outfits and Accessories For This Particular Day

Apart from following the rituals and customs, people are also eager to embellish themselves in exquisite outfits and stunning ornaments. As red is considered as an auspicious color for devotees on this day, 

Interesting Facts

In the form of Shailputri, Goddess Durga is worshiped as a girl child i.e. the first phase of womanhood.

Among the Nine forms of Maa Durga, the importance and powers of Goddess Shailputri is considered to be unlimited.

Parvati and Himavati are other names of Goddess Shailputri.

Navaratri Day 2: Worship of Maa Brahmacharini and its significance

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The nine avatars played a very significant role in the worship of Goddess Durga during Navaratri. After the Kushmanda form of Goddess Parvati comes the birth of Daksha Prajapati. Then Goddess Prajapati comes into existence and the unmarried state of Mata Parvati is Goddess Brahmacharini.

She is worshipped on the second day of Navaratri and it is believed that Goddess Brahmacharini, who governs Lord Mangal, is known as the fortune provider. This version of Maa Durga carries two hands in which his righthand carries Jap Mala in the right hand and kamandal in the left hand. And she walks barefoot.

The colour dedicated to Maa Brahmachirini is white as she acquired the Brahmachari avatar and performed severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband.

NAVARATRI DAY 2: SIGNIFICANCE

The day is dedicated to worshipping Brahmacharini in the form of Maa Durga, which brings penance, renunciation, and good fortune. A person can enhance ethical conduct and a devotee can achieve their goals by praying to the Goddess. On this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped with Lord Shiva.

NAVARATRI DAY 2: MANTRA

Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah||

NAVARATRI DAY 2: PUJA VIDHI

On this day, Lord Shiva is worshipped along with Goddess Brahmachairini.

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Offerings are made like Jasmine flowers, rice and sandalwood in a Kalash to the idols of the deity. 

Milk, curd and honey are provided by Goddess Brahmachrini.

Finally, Aarti is done and prasad is distributed among needy people.

A special kind of sweet is offered.

NAVARATRI DAY 2: PRARTHARNA

Dadhana Kara Padmabhyamakshamala Kamandalu |

Devi Prasidatu Mayi Brahmacharinyanuttama ||

NAVARATRI DAY 2: STUTI

Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Brahmacharini Rupena Samsthita |

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah ||

Navratri Day 3 | Worship Devi Chandraghanta

 

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The third day of Navratri is dedicated to worshiping Devi Chandraghanta. Being the third manifestation of Ma Durga, she wears a half moon (chandra) on her forehead.  This moon resembles the shape of a bell (ghanta), hence, the name Chandraghanta. This ten-handed goddess has a radiating golden body and a third eye. While her nine hands hold different weapons that are said to destroy evil occurrences, her 10th hand showers blessings on the world. Ardent devotees of this Goddess worship her to seek forgiveness for their misdeeds. They also revere her in an attempt to obtain her blessings for long lasting endurance, as well as an obstacle free life.

Origin and History

According to legends, when Sati burned her body in the yagya agni, she took rebirth as Parvati to Parvatraj Himalaya. Parvati married Lord Shiva.  On the day of their marriage, Lord Shiva arrived with all his Aghoris and Ghosts to take Devi Parvati along with him. On seeing this form of Shiva, her parents and all the guests were horrified.

Looking at all this, Parvati transformed herself into Goddess Chandraghanta and approached Lord Shiva. She requested him to reappear in the form of a charming prince. In the mean time, she revived her family from the shock and erased all their unpleasant memories. Since then, Devi Parvati is worshiped in her Chandraghanta avatar as the goddess of peace and forgiveness.

Customs And Rituals

Devi Chandraghanta is worshiped for her serenity and power to eradicate evil. There are certain rituals that are followed when worshiping her:

Pooja

The pooja should be initiated by worshiping all the gods, goddesses and planets in the kalash. This is followed by prayers being offered to Lord Ganesha and the entire family of Ma Durga. Towards the end of the pooja, Ma Chandraghanta should be worshiped. Finally, this ritual ends with the worship of Lord Shiva and Brahama.

The Mantra

The mantra that is recited, when the prayers are sent, goes something like this:

Ya devi Sarvabhooteshu, Maa Chandraghanta Rupen Sansthita |

Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai, Namo Namah||

Pindah Pravarudha Chandkopastrakayurta |

Prasand Tnute Mahayam, Chandraghanteti Vishruta ||

Meaning: “I join my hands in front of the powerful Goddess, one with the bell shaped moon on her forehead. I worship her to forgive all of my bad deeds.”

Goddess Chandraghanta is the goddess of peace and forgiveness. Therefore, she likes to be offered something white as her bhog. One can either prepare kheer for prasad or offer milk to please her.

Color for The Day

On this day, it’s good for devotees to wear something in yellow color while performing the rituals and pooja. Though the Goddess herself drapes a white saree, which symbolizes peace and forgiveness, it is said that her worshipers should wear yellow throughout the day.

Navratri Day 4 | Worship Goddess Kushmanda

Goddess Kushmanda, the fourth form of Goddess Durga, is worshiped on the 4th day of Navratri (Navratri Chaturthi). It is believed that it was this form of Adishakti that created the universe with her smile. Several pujas, shlokas, and vedic rituals are performed to invoke this Ashtabhuja (eight arms) goddess. It is said that her complexion glows with a golden light that radiates from her persona. Worshiping this goddess is believed to bestow spiritual fulfillment and harmony in the life of all devotees. Navratri Chaturthi falls five days before Dusshera.

Origin and History

According to Durga Saptshati, Goddess Durga was very pleased with her avatar of Kushmanda. It is believed that the supreme goddess of power or Adi-Parashakti, appeared in the form of Siddhidatri from the left side of lord Shiva’s body. After taking the form of Siddhidariti, Goddess Parvati started to live inside the core of the sun and, hence, came to be known as Kushmanda Devi. This implies that Kushmanda Devi is the only goddess who resides in the core of the sun, from where she controls the entire solar system.

The name Kushmanda is a compound word that consists of three Sanskrit words ‘ku’ (meaning-little), ‘ushma’(meaning-warmth) and ‘anda’(meaning-egg); which combined together means a little warm cosmic-egg.

 Kushmanda Devi is depicted with eight hands. She has kamandal, dhanush, bada and kamal in the right hands whereas, she is holding an amrit-kalash, jap-mala, gada and chakra in her left hands. Her beautiful female form is seen sitting on a lion that denotes dharma and justice.

Customs and Rituals

Kushmanda Devi is invoked with a Kushmadevi Puja Mantra. Kushmanda Puja begins with inviting other gods, goddesses and their families by worshiping a kalash. Several strotra path, kawach and aartis are performed during Kushmanda Devi’s Puja. Devotees keep flowers in their hands to offer to this goddess. This offering is called naivaidhya or naibidhya. Curd, milk and halwa are distributed as prasad among devotees. According to shastras and puranas, Lord Shiva and Brahma must be worshiped after the Kushmanda Puja. Kushmanda Puja performed with incense, dhoop and durya is considered to be highly auspicious.

Yogis, saadhaks and bhakts can pacify Kushmanda Devi, even with the slightest devotion and purity of mind, to enter Anahata Chakra for pure bliss. This deity takes away all sorrows and troubles from the life of her bhakts and blesses them with good health, mental peace and prosperity.

As it is said that this goddess’s favorite vegetable is pumpkin, it’s no surprise that it is offered to her in her honor. It is also believed that this is the only goddess who can bestow 8 siddhis (perfections) and 9 nidhis (jewels) to her saadhaks.

The Mantra

“Ya devi sarvabhuteshu ma kushmanda

rupen sansthita namastaseya namastaseya

namastaseya namoh namah”

Meaning: “Goddess Kushmanda, who holds two pitchers full of wine and blood in her lotus hands, is propitious to me.

What you can wear on this day

Navdurga Puja spans through nine days. Devotees are excited to wear the nine colors associated with each day. While Kushmanda Devi is seen wearing a Red color saree, devotees are to adorn the color ‘Green’ for the fourth day. Instead of everyday clothes, people prefer wearing traditional and festive attires during this festival.

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