Celebrating Navratri? Here's What You Need to Know
Across India, Navratri is celebrated in some form or the other. According to Hindu mythology, Navratri represents the battle fought between Goddess Durga, the symbol of goodness and power, and a demon named Mahishasura (or the Greatest Demon), the symbol of egotism. As the battle proceeded, Goddess Durga emerged victorious, celebrated during the none days of Navratri.
Planning What to Wear?
Though many people are familiar with why Navratri is celebrated, they may not know about the intricacies of the event. During this time, it is believed that Goddess Durga returns to her home, and the celebrations during these nine days are dedicated to her nine Avatars. Devotees dress in specific colours during the festivities, as each colour has a significant meaning and symbolises the different Avatars.
1. Riveting in Red: The first day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Shailputri, who symbolises the collective power of Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. The colour red is dedicated to this avatar, and it symbolises vigour, action and power.
2. Regal in Royal Blue: The second day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini, who is represented by royal blue. Much like the colour, this avatar of Goddess Durga represents serenity, calm and peace. Her devotees are bestowed with grace and prosperity, and she's seen as the way to attain moksha.
3. Glamorous in Yellow: The third day of Navratri is dedicated to Chandraghanta, who symbolises bravery and strength. This avatar is represented by yellow and is believed to bring tranquillity into her devotees' lives.
4. Glorious in Green: Dedicated to the Goddess Kushmunda, the fourth day of Navratri is represented by the colour of life. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Kushmunda's vibrant laughter gave rise to vegetation on Earth, making green the perfect colour for this day.
5. Alluring in Grey: Grey represents the fifth day of Navratri, which is dedicated to Skand Mata. In the battle against Mahishasura, she was selected to be the commander-in-chief and accompanied the infant Skanda. On this day, grey represents a mother's fierce protectiveness who can evoke storms to protect her child.
6. Sparkling in Orange: The sixth day of Navratri is represented by the colour orange, dedicated to Katyayani. Like the colour orange, Katyayani is also described to be sparking with courage.
7. Graceful in White: On the seventh day of Navratri, the Goddess Kalratri is worshipped. Though she has a fearless appearance with dishevelled hair and a dark complexion, she's always dressed in white. Thus, the colour for this day represents serenity and peaceful prayer.
8. Elegant in Pink: Maha Gauri, the epitome of peace, calm and intelligence, is worshipped on the eight-day of Navratri. Residing deep in the Himalayan forests, Maha Gauri's true beauty unfolded when Lord Shiva washed her with the water of the holy Ganges River. Hence, on this day, pink represents hope and starting anew.
9. Blissful in Blue: With four arms, the avatar for the ninth and final day of Navratri is Siddhidatri. With her blissful disposition, she is akin to the blue skies on a sunny day. Hence, this final day has represented the beauty of nature and a blissful life.
Got your outfits planned? If not, take some inspiration from this blog and get decked up in auspicious colours. Did you know that Navratri celebrations had such complex stories attached to them?