Understanding the Colours of Navratri: A Spiritual Guide

Navratri is not merely a festival; it is a nine-night spiritual odyssey that celebrates the divine feminine energy, Shakti, in her many powerful and nurturing forms. Each of these nine days is dedicated to a distinct manifestation of Goddess Durga and is associated with a specific colour. These colours are more than symbolic garments; they reflect energies, intentions, and inner transformation. For many devotees, wearing the designated colour each day is a way of tuning into the cosmic rhythm of Navratri, aligning one’s spirit with the goddess of the day.

In this blog, we delve into the profound significance behind each of these nine colours, exploring what they represent spiritually and how they influence the celebratory tone of Navratri in homes and hearts across India and beyond.

When is Navratri 2025 Celebrated?

In 2025, Sharad Navratri will begin on Monday, September 22, and conclude on Wednesday, October 1. The festivities will culminate with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) celebrations on October 2, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Understanding Navratri: More Than Mythology

Navratri literally means "nine nights," during which the Goddess Durga is worshipped in nine distinct forms. These forms are not only divine figures but also metaphors for inner strength, clarity, wisdom, power, and compassion. Over centuries, these manifestations have been assigned colours that best reflect their essence.

Nine colours of Navratri:

The 9 colours of Navratri are traditionally associated with each day of the festival, symbolising different aspects of Goddess Durga. The colours and their meanings may vary slightly, but they generally follow this pattern:

• Day 1 - Pratipada (White): Represents purity, peace, and serenity.
• Day 2 - Dwitiya (Red): Symbolises passion, love, and strength, invoking the power of the goddess.
• Day 3 - Tritiya (Royal Blue): Reflects calmness and divine energy.
• Day 4 - Chaturthi (Yellow): Symbolises joy and brightness, marking the beginning of Navratri.
• Day 5 - Panchami (Green): Represents growth, nature, and fertility.
• Day 6 - Shashti (Grey): Signifies balance and peace, overcoming darkness with calm.
• Day 7 - Saptami (Orange): Symbolises energy and strength, encouraging courage and determination.
• Day 8 - Ashtami (Peacock Green): Indicates individuality and uniqueness. 
• Day 9 - Navami (Purple): Symbolises ambition, power, and spirituality, marking the final day of celebration.

If you are fasting for Navratri in 2025 but are not sure what to eat, read about Navratri food and know the recipes. 

Understanding the Significance of the 9 Colours of Navratri:

Day 1 – Pratipada: White – Purity and Serenity

Meaning of White:

White stands for purity, peace, and truth. It symbolises simplicity and spiritual clarity. This colour calms the mind and nurtures inner harmony. It reflects innocence, sincerity, and the pursuit of higher wisdom. Wearing white during Navratri creates an aura of serenity and devotion.

• It reflects innocence and truthfulness in life.
• White also represents hope and new beginnings.
• It creates a calm and soothing atmosphere around us.

Spiritual Significance:

Wearing white helps us connect with inner calm. It clears mental clutter, promotes forgiveness, and allows us to experience serenity. Spiritually, it represents the cleansing of the soul and the idea that true strength often lies in simplicity.

• White resonates with peace and spiritual enlightenment.
• It symbolises detachment from negativity and impurities.
• White reminds us that simplicity is the path to divinity.

Day 2 Dwithiya: Red – Strength and Determination

Meaning of Red:

Red is the colour of power, love, and action. It embodies passion, courage, and strength. This vibrant hue awakens determination and the will to overcome obstacles. It is often linked with devotion and the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Wearing red during Navratri invokes confidence, vitality, and a fearless spirit.

• It inspires confidence and determination in life.
• Red is also associated with love and strong emotions.
• It reflects high energy and vitality.

Spiritual Significance:

Red connects with the warrior energy of Goddess Durga. It reminds us of the fire within, the power to fight struggles, face fears, and take bold actions. Spiritually, red also signifies vitality and life-force energy.

• Red activates the root chakra, which grounds and empowers us.
• It strengthens our willpower and helps us overcome fear.
• It signifies action, reminding us to move forward with strength.

Day 3 – Tritiya: Royal Blue – Calmness and Divine Grace

Meaning of Royal Blue:

Royal blue is deep and majestic. It represents wisdom, stability, and divine grace. This colour inspires a sense of calmness and trust, guiding the mind towards clarity. It is associated with devotion and the infinite depth of the universe. Wearing royal blue during Navratri invokes serenity, strength, and spiritual connection.

• It gives clarity in thoughts and decisions.
• Blue symbolises honesty, trust, and devotion.
• It creates a calm and peaceful state of mind.

Spiritual Significance:

This colour symbolises trust, loyalty, and responsibility. Spiritually, it helps us connect to deeper truths and inspires devotion. It is also a reminder of the vast sky and ocean, symbols of infinite possibilities.

• It is linked to the throat chakra, enhancing clear expression.
• Royal blue promotes faith in divine guidance.
• It inspires inner depth and spiritual awareness.

Day 4 – Chaturthi: Yellow – Cheerfulness and Brightness

Meaning of Yellow:

Yellow is the colour of the sun, light, and knowledge. It radiates warmth, optimism, and hope. Beginning Navratri with yellow signifies a fresh start filled with positivity. It also fosters clarity of mind and inspires enthusiasm for embracing new opportunities.

• It encourages openness and friendliness, making interactions joyful.
• Just like spring blooms, it symbolises freshness and enthusiasm.
• Wearing yellow on this day uplifts mood and spreads happiness around.

Spiritual Significance:

Yellow represents clarity of thought, wisdom, and cheerfulness. Just as the rising sun removes darkness, this colour inspires us to remove negativity and step into brightness. It also symbolises learning and curiosity, reminding us that spiritual growth starts with awareness.

• Spiritually, it’s linked to the solar plexus chakra, which governs confidence.
• It reminds us to choose light and positivity even in tough times.
• Yellow marks a bright beginning that sets the tone for the rest of Navratri.

Day 5 Panchami: Green – Growth and Fertility

Meaning of Green:

Green is the colour of nature, fertility, and harmony. It represents renewal, growth, and balance. Wearing green during Navratri channels the energy of creation and nurtures inner peace. It also reminds us to stay grounded while moving forward with patience and hope.

• It brings a sense of freshness and vitality to life.
• Green symbolises prosperity and new opportunities.
• It reflects stability, reminding us to remain patient like nature itself.

Spiritual Significance:

Green connects us with the natural world and the energy of creation. It symbolises progress, not just physical growth but also spiritual and emotional development. Wearing green encourages us to stay grounded, patient, and connected with life’s natural rhythms.

• Spiritually, it is tied to the heart chakra, which opens us to love.
• It inspires us to heal and nurture ourselves and others.
• Green helps us trust life’s timing and embrace steady progress.

Day 6 – Shashti: Grey – Balance and Peace

Meaning of Grey:

Grey is often seen as dull, but in spirituality, it represents neutrality and balance. It is the middle ground between extremes, light and dark, joy and sorrow. It teaches us the value of calm detachment and inner stability amidst life’s fluctuations.

• It symbolises maturity and wisdom in decision-making.
• Grey reflects inner strength, hidden behind calmness.
• It reminds us that peace often lies in the middle path.

Spiritual Significance:

Grey symbolises the ability to stay calm and composed in all situations. It teaches us to detach from unnecessary chaos and find inner peace. Wearing grey helps us remain steady and balanced, even when life is unpredictable.

• Spiritually, it represents detachment from ego-driven emotions.
• It helps us focus on neutrality and stability of mind.
• Grey guides us toward mindfulness and self-control.

Day 7 – Saptami: Orange – Energy and Radiance

Meaning of Orange:

Orange is bold, bright, and powerful. It symbolises courage, enthusiasm, and vitality. This colour ignites passion and inspires confidence to take on challenges fearlessly. It is often associated with spiritual awakening, creativity, and transformation. Wearing orange during Navratri invokes positivity, energy, and a zest for life.

• It is the colour of creativity and inspiration.
• Orange spreads warmth and friendliness in every space.
• It represents determination and the courage to move forward.

Spiritual Significance:

This is the colour of fire and transformation. It represents the spark of confidence and action. Orange inspires us to break free from fear, chase our dreams, and live life with passion. Spiritually, it is linked to creativity and self-expression.

• It is associated with the sacral chakra, which fuels imagination and joy.
• Orange motivates us to act with energy and not remain passive.
• It invites us to embrace transformation and radiate positivity.

Day 8: Peacock Green – Renewal and Harmony

Meaning of Peacock Green:

Peacock green is vibrant and refreshing, blending the calmness of blue with the energy of green. It represents renewal, balance, and prosperity. This colour inspires harmony with nature and awakens creativity. Wearing peacock green during Navratri brings a sense of growth, positivity, and emotional balance.

• It symbolises rejuvenation and new beginnings.
• Green connects with abundance and prosperity.
• It creates a soothing yet energising state of mind.

Spiritual Significance:

This colour is associated with healing, compassion, and balance. Spiritually, it brings peace to the heart and strengthens emotional well-being. Like the peacock itself, it reflects beauty, pride, and grace while reminding us of the divine connection in all living things.

• Linked to the heart chakra, it nurtures love and empathy.
• Peacock green promotes growth, renewal, and spiritual balance.
• It inspires gratitude and harmony with the universe.

Day 9 – Navami: Pink – Love and Compassion

Meaning of Pink:

Pink represents love, kindness, and compassion. It is gentle yet powerful in spreading harmony. Wearing pink during Navratri nurtures warmth in relationships and opens the heart to selfless care. It also symbolises universal love, encouraging unity and emotional healing.

• It is the colour of affection and care.
• Pink symbolises emotional healing and warmth.
• It creates harmony in relationships.

Spiritual Significance:

This colour reflects the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine. It encourages forgiveness, self-love, and empathy. Pink heals emotional wounds and helps us open our hearts to deeper connections.

• Pink resonates with unconditional love and acceptance.
• It inspires tenderness and self-compassion.
• Spiritually, it encourages harmony and emotional balance.

Day 10 – Vijayadashami (Dussehra)

Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, marks the grand conclusion of the Navratri celebrations and will be observed on October 2, 2025. This day is considered highly auspicious for initiating new endeavours, be it starting a business, undertaking important projects, or beginning personal milestones.

In many regions, especially in the South, the occasion is observed through the Vidyarambham ritual, where young children are ceremoniously introduced to learning, symbolising the beginning of their educational journey with divine blessings.

In West Bengal, the day resonates with cultural significance through the tradition of Sindoor Khela. On this occasion, married women dressed in festive sarees joyfully apply vermilion (sindoor) to one another, honouring the power, protection, and blessings of the goddess before bidding her farewell.

Explore what the Navratri celebration across India looks like.

Types of Navratri: Celebrating the Divine Feminine Through the Year

Navratri is not just a once-a-year event; it's celebrated in four distinct forms across the Hindu calendar, each carrying its own spiritual essence and cultural flavour. These variations reflect different aspects of the goddess and are observed at different times of the year with unique regional customs.

Sharad Navratri:

The most widely celebrated and vibrant form, Sharad Navratri, takes place during the lunar month of Ashwin (September–October). It honours the powerful battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, ultimately symbolising the victory of good over evil. This is the Navratri most associated with Garba, Dandiya, Durga Puja, and grand temple rituals across India.

Chaitra Navratri:

Falling in the month of Chaitra (March–April), Chaitra Navratri aligns with the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions. Particularly significant in North India, including states like Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, this Navratri is marked by deep devotion and the recitation of sacred texts such as the Ramayana.

Magha Navratri:

Celebrated in the month of Magha (January–February), Magha Navratri is less known on a national scale but holds great importance among certain communities. The final three days are especially sacred, often coinciding with Vasant Panchami, and are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge and learning.

Ashadha Navratri:

Held during the month of Ashadha (June–July), this lesser-known form is often referred to as Gupta Navratri. Unlike the festive nature of Sharad Navratri, Ashadha Navratri is observed more privately and is focused on intense spiritual discipline, meditation, and esoteric rituals, especially by sages and spiritual seekers.

Each of these Navratris offers a unique opportunity to connect with the divine feminine, from joyous public celebrations to introspective personal practices. Among them, Sharad Navratri remains the most celebrated, drawing millions into its powerful orbit of devotion, dance, and divine energy.

The nine colours of Navratri are more than a tradition; they're a living tapestry of emotion, energy, and elevation. Each shade carries a frequency, a whisper from the divine, guiding us inward and upward, from grounded being to cosmic consciousness. In a world that rarely pauses, Navratri invites us to slow down and reconnect with our roots, our rhythms, and our inner goddess. These colours aren't just for celebration; they are soul markers, each one holding a lesson, a vibration, a light.

Whether you're donning the colour of the day, lighting a diya, or simply holding space for intention, you're participating in something sacred. You're honouring resilience, grace, and the ever-turning wheel of transformation.

So, this Navratri, let your choices be mindful. Let your colours speak not just to your wardrobe, but to your spirit. Let each hue awaken a deeper truth within you.