Celebrated across various traditions, Navaratri is the celebration of the nine distinct forms of the divine feminine Shakti, in the form of the fierce and entrancing Goddess Durga. Taking the different forms that personify the different facets of human life, Navratri is a festivity that holds special importance in society and is celebrated with great pomp and show all across the country.
The first day of Navratri also known as the day of Pratipada celebrates Shailaputri, the courageous daughter of the mountains. She is the absolute form of Mother Nature and symbolizes strength. In this form, Goddess Durga personifies peace and tranquillity, symbolizing purity, and prayer in devotees’ hearts when they worship her- thus making the colour white an exemplary hue to start off the nine-day celebration.
This is followed by celebrating the second incarnation of Goddess Durga – Brahmacharani the female seeking spiritual knowledge. In this form, Goddess Durga personifies vibrance and strength, health, life and infinite courage. Most significantly it is the colour of love. Thus, Red is a special colour to adorn on the second day of Navratri.The third day is offered to Devi Chandraghanta. She mounts a half-moon on her forehead, representing emotional balance and staying rooted to the basics. On this day people wear royal blue- a colour that signifies a distinct sense of royalty, elegance and unmatched elegance. The richness of the shade spreads warmth & reliability.
The fourth incarnation of Goddess Durga is Ashtabuja Devi or Kushmanda. They say that the luminosity and brightness of this Devi, with her enchanting smile, was effervescent enough to light up the sun. Thus, the colour of the day is yellow- signifying good health, mirth and optimism!On the occasion of Panchami or the fifth day, the Devi takes the form of Skandamata – the mother of Skanda or Murugan, the god of war. The Devi holding her baby in her lap is the ultimate personification of a mother’s pure love. The Goddess symbolizes peace, fertility, and growth- thus making the colour green absolutely apt to adorn on this day.
The sixth incarnation of Devi is Katyayani. She is a divine form of Goddess Durga believed to be formed out of the collective energies of the Gods, to slay the tyrannical Mahisura. The colour grey, which stands for neutrality, balance and strength of transforming, is considered most suitable for the occasion to emphasize and celebrate the goddess’ unparalleled intellect and compromise.The Goddess we worship on Saptami or the seventh day of Navratri is the fierce goddess Kalaratri. The goddess is believed to be the destroyer of all demons, negative energies, evil spirits and ghosts, thus earning the name Shubankari due to the belief that she always provides auspicious results to her devotees. The colour orange represents fresh beginnings, willpower and strength. Wearing this shade will foster a sense of harmony in the festivities!
Day eight or Ashtami of Navratri is the day of Kanjak. The day is commemorated by feeding girl children who are considered to be the avatars of the goddess. Goddess Mahagauri, the fulfiller of all desires is worshipped on this day, and it is said the one who worships this goddess gets relief from all their sufferings in life. The colour peacock green signifies uniqueness and individuality for oneself.Navami, the final day of the festivities is concluded by celebrating the ninth incarnation of Devi- the all-encaptivating Siddhidatri. She is the giver of knowledge and helps you achieve your aspirations. Pink is the chosen colour for the ninth and final day of Navratri. It combines the energy and vibrancy of red colour and royalty and stability of blue colour. On this day, we worship Navdurga where the goddess is seen decked in Pink and who blesses the devotees with the supreme sense opulence and richness.Like how the Goddess fearlessly slayed the demon Mahishasura and banished the darkness, may this Navratri bless us all with abundance of joy and light. Look your festive best and let the goddess in you shine, with Theni Anantham’s exquisite range of silk and festive sarees!