What do the 9 colours of Navratri signify

Navratri is the 9 day Hindu festival that is celebrated by every Indian in some way or the other. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm, utmost devotion, and above all, love and appreciation for Maa Durga and her many avatars. Navratri, as the name shows, spans nine nights and is observed in different parts of the country with their unique rituals and customs.
Every year, there are certain sets of colours that are associated with each day of the Navratri festival and they all have their own importance and significance. Here we list the 9 colours for each day of Navratri, as mentioned in Drik Panchang 2024.

The first day of Navratri is the day of great enthusiasm and devotion. And the colour for the first day according to Drik Panchang is red.
Red is a representation of energy, devotion and vigour and even the chunri (or chunni) that is offered to Maa Durga is preferred to be red in colour. Red is related to Goddess Shailputri, who is known as the epitome of strength and courage and the colour red becomes a symbol of the beginning of the festive spirit.

Yellow, the colour that immediately invokes a sense of brightness and positivity in people. And this year, it is the colour best for day 3. Yellow is said to be the colour of happiness, positivity, and prosperity and is perfect for the third day when devotees honour and pray to Goddess Chandraghanta. Maa Chandraghanta is known for her grace and her loving face and the glow of colour yellow is said to please her a lot.

According to Drik Panchang, the colour for day 5 is Grey.
Grey, a blend of white and black, is said to represent the balance between light and dark, and is the perfect example of how the blend of two opposites can create something beautiful. Maa Skandamata, who is worshipped on the fifth day of Navratri, is the mother of Lord Kartikeya, and it is said that praying to Skandmata also helps with getting Lord Kartikeya’s blessings.

In all, wearing grey on the 5th day will invite towards the devotee wisdom and power.

The happy and bright colour of orange is said to be perfect for day 6 of Chaitra Navratri this year. Orange is the colour of dawn, the time when the sun goes down to make way for the moon, and is said to be a symbol of new beginnings.
Orange is also the symbol of enthusiasm, creativity, and spiritual awakening. Maa Katyayani, the warrior form of Durga, is worshipped on the sixth day and orange represents the fiery energy of hers that is needed to overcome obstacles.

White is the colour associated with purity and light and is said to light up people’s mind and wisdom. And on the seventh day of Navratri, it is said that wearing white will be of great benefit. White is a representation of clarity, peace, and rising above the worldly and the material. And on day 7, Maa Kaalratri, the fierce form of Durga, is worshipped.

Wearing white on day 7 will ensure the purification of the mind and spirit of the devotee.

The soft and gentle colour of Pink is one of the most soothing of all colours. Pink is a symbol of love, passion, affection and a soft, gentle glow.

On day 8, Maa Mahagauri, the epitome of grace and beauty, is worshipped and pink is the perfect colour to wear and remember on this day. Pink is a symbol of unconditional love and nurturing energy of the divine feminine.

Sky blue is said to be the colour of the infinite. The sky, with its vast reach and expanse, has always filled a human’s mind with awe and humans have forever wanted to explore as much as possible of the bright, sky blue sky!
Sky blue is a symbol of freedom, calm, quiet and rising above the worldly and material. And as Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped on day 9, who is the giver of infinite blessings, it is only right to wear sky blue.