How are Colours of Navratri Decided : Navratri (Navrathri) Different Colours 2024 List, Date October, Dress, Goddess Names
- Navratri 2024 Dates : October 3 to October 12, 2024.
- 9 Days, 9 Colors : Each day is associated with a specific colour and goddess.
- Goddess Names : Shailaputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandamata, Katyayini, Kalaratri, Mahagauri, Siddhidaatri.
- Dress Code : Devotees wear a designated color each day to honour the goddess.
- Color Significance : The colours vary and symbolize qualities like strength, purity, and prosperity.
Every day of Navratri 2024 has a designated colour that is said to auspicious for that day. Wearing clothes and accessories in the day’s allocated hue is a common habit for women in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, whether they are going to work or taking part in Dandiya and Garba activities. The first day of Navratri is coloured according to the weekday on which the festival falls; the colours for the next eight days are predetermined.
Sharad Navratri, also known as Devi Navratri, is an important festival celebrated across India that honors different forms of the Goddess Devi. This nine-night festival focuses on worshipping the Goddess in nine distinct forms, with each day dedicated to a unique aspect of the divine feminine. In Andhra Pradesh, the celebration typically features the worship of Navdurga, symbolizing the nine forms of Durga, along with special offerings (naivedyam) made each day. Information from the Kanaka Durga Temple in Vijayawada outlines the specific naivedyam for each day.
Moreover, each day of Navratri is linked to specific colours, with various sources, including popular WhatsApp lists and the Kanaka Durga Temple, presenting different interpretations of these colour assignments. In many South Indian and Maharashtrian homes, married women invite others to join them by offering “tamboolam” alongside sundal as prasadam. Recently, the tradition of wearing designated colors each day has become more popular, with two sets of color choices provided: one from a commonly used list and another from the Kanaka Durga Temple
- The colours of Navratri selected to represent the different forms of the divine feminine worshipped each day of the festival. Each day honours a unique avatar of Goddess Durga, and the colour associated with that day reflects the qualities of the goddess.
- Cultural significance plays a key role in colour selection. These colours are often tied to traditional meanings and the traits of the goddess for that day. For instance, yellow used on the first day to symbolise joy and optimism, reflecting the characteristics of the goddess being honoured.
- Religious texts and historical traditions also influence the choice of colours. These texts describe the traits associated with each goddess, which helps determine the color for each day.
- Regional variations exist in colour choices due to local customs and interpretations. While there are general guidelines, specific colours may vary based on regional practices.
- Each color selected represents the spiritual essence of the goddess worshipped that day. For example, red is chosen for its representation of passion and energy, aligning with the qualities of the goddess honoured on that day.
| Navratri Day | Date | Color of the Day | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 3, 2024 | Yellow | Brings optimism and joy. A warm color that keeps one cheerful throughout the day. |
| Day 2 | October 4, 2024 | Green | Symbolizes nature, growth, fertility, and peace. Represents new beginnings and tranquility. |
| Day 3 | October 5, 2024 | Grey | Represents balanced emotions and a down-to-earth attitude. Ideal for a subtle style statement. |
| Day 4 | October 6, 2024 | Orange | Full of positive energy, warmth, and exuberance. Enhances a lively and upbeat mood. |
| Day 5 | October 7, 2024 | White | Symbolizes purity and innocence. Offers a sense of inner peace and security. |
| Day 6 | October 8, 2024 | Red | Represents passion and love. Energizes and adds vitality to the celebrations. |
| Day 7 | October 9, 2024 | Royal Blue | A vivid shade representing richness and tranquility. Adds elegance and panache. |
| Day 8 | October 10, 2024 | Pink | Symbolizes universal love, affection, and harmony. Enhances charm and approachability. |
| Day 9 | October 11, 2024 | Purple | Associated with luxury, grandeur, and nobility. Brings opulence and richness to the celebrations. |
Celebration :
Shardiya Navratri joyfully celebrated in Northern and Eastern India. It represents nine nights of the struggle between good and evil, ending with the triumph of good on the tenth day. During this festival, Goddess Durga honored as a symbol of strength, energy, and wisdom.
Dates and Key Events :
Start Date : October 3, 2024 (Thursday)
End Date : October 12, 2024 (Saturday) with Vijaya Dasami
Days Remaining : 15 days
Important Rituals :
Ghatasthapana : October 3, 2024, Thursday
Durgashtami : October 11, 2024, Friday
Maha Navami : October 11, 2024, Friday
Timings :
Ghatasthapana Muhurat : October 3, 06:23 AM – 10:18 AM
Pratipada Tithi Timing : October 3, 12:19 AM – October 4, 2:58 AM (Ujjain, IST)
Celebration Insights :
- Frequency : Navratri takes place twice a year: once in spring (Chaitra Navratri) and once in autumn (Sharad Navratri), in accordance with the lunar calendar.
- Sharad Navratri 2024 : Also referred to as Maha Navratri, it occurs in the Indian month of Ashvina, typically in September or October.
- Duration : The festival lasts nine nights, with devotees participating in prayers, Dandiya Raas, Garba, and offering prasad to Goddess Durga.
- Durga Puja : Begins on the sixth day and continues for four days, ending with Vijayadashami.
Spiritual Significance :
- Mythological Context: In mythology, the demon king Mahishasura fought against the gods. To defeat him, the gods united their powers to form Goddess Durga, who overcame Mahishasura after nine nights of conflict. The tenth day, Vijayadashami, marks the celebration of good’s victory over evil.
- Lord Rama’s Blessing: Before battling Ravana, Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga and gained her divine power, which aided him in his victory.
- Uma’s Return: During Navratri, Uma, the daughter of King Daksh of the Himalayas, returns to the earth, reuniting with Lord Shiva and celebrating her homecoming.
Navratri is a nine-night celebration that honors a different manifestation of Goddess Durga on each night. In addition to taking part in rituals and prayers, devotees wear particular colors that stand for the avatar of the day.
| Day | Avatar | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Goddess Shailaputri | Revered as the daughter of the Mountain God, symbolizing strength and stability. |
| Day 2 | Goddess Brahmacharini | Celebrated for calming anger and promoting peace, reflecting asceticism and devotion. |
| Day 3 | Goddess Chandraghanta | Known for her fierce spirit and third eye, protector against evil. Jasmine flowers offered in her honour. |
| Day 4 | Goddess Kushmanda | Representing the ‘cosmic egg’ and known for her energy and warmth. |
| Day 5 | Goddess Skandamata | Ruler of Mercury, combining fierceness with nurturing qualities, recognized for strength and care. |
| Day 6 | Goddess Katyayini | Worshipped for her battle against Mahishasura; prayed to for a harmonious marital and family life. |
| Day 7 | Goddess Kalaratri | The fierce form of Kali Devi, known for her power over evil and connection to Lord Saturn. |
| Day 8 | Goddess Mahagauri | Honored with her white attire and bull; includes Kanya Puja, also known as Mahashtami or Maha Durgashtami. |
| Day 9 | Goddess Siddhidaatri | Believed to grant all desires; the day focuses on seeking her blessings. |
| Day 10 | Vijayadashami (Dussehra) | Marks the end of worship and the beginning of new endeavors; includes Vidyarambham (starting education) and Sindhoor Khela (vermilion ritual). |
Worship and Devotion :
- First Three Days : Goddess Durga honoured as ‘Shakti,’ the symbol of power and strength.
- Next Three Days : Goddess Lakshmi celebrated as the symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- Last Three Days : Goddess Saraswati revered as the symbol of knowledge and wisdom.
Fasting and Diet :
- Fasting : Devotees fast, usually avoiding grains, onions, meat, and alcohol.
- Special Foods : North Indian cuisine features unique dishes prepared especially for those who are fasting during Navratri.
Regional Celebrations :
- Eastern India : Durga Puja is the most important festival of the year, showcasing elaborate pandals, vibrant lighting, and various cultural events.
- Gujarat and Maharashtra : Garba and Dandiya traditional dances enjoyed while dressed in traditional clothing, using dandiya sticks.
- Goa : Zatras are special celebrations at Saraswat Brahmin temples that involve worshiping the Dasha Maitrikas with sandalwood paste, kumkum, new clothes, and ornaments.
- Kerala : Ayudha Puja occurs on the ninth day, when tools and implements blessed to highlight their significance in everyday life.
- Navratri 2024 Colours and Dates :
- Navratri (Navrathri) Different Colours 2024 List, Date October, Dress, Goddess Names
- How are the Colours of Navratri Decided ?
- Navratri Nine Colours 2024 and their Significance :
- Shardiya Navratri 2024 : Overview and Details
- Celebration :
- Dates and Key Events :
- Important Rituals :
- Timings :
- Celebration Insights :
- Spiritual Significance :
- Navratri : Nine Avatars of Goddess Durga
- Rituals of Navratri :
- Worship and Devotion :
- Fasting and Diet :
- Regional Celebrations :
- Related