Navratri 2026: Day-wise colours this year, significance, key dates, Navadurga celebrations and more

Navratri 2026, a nine-night festival honoring Goddess Durga and her nine forms called Navadurga, begins on Sunday, October 11th, with Ghatasthapana. This ceremony marks the start of worship and the establishment of the sacred kalash. Each day of the festival is associated with a specific colour, each carrying its own significance.

On October 11th, devotees worship Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, and wear orange, the first day's colour. Orange symbolizes warmth, enthusiasm, and lively energy.

The following day, October 12th, is dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, associated with penance and discipline. White, the colour for this day, represents peace, purity, and quiet devotion.

On October 13th, Maa Chandraghanta, a protective warrior Goddess, is worshipped. Red, the colour for this day, symbolizes courage, passion, love, and protective power. Her form bears the image of a crescent-moon bell.

Other days of Navratri and their associated colours include:

- October 14th: Maa Kushmanda, the creator of the universe, with royal blue representing depth, richness, calmness, and divine wisdom.

- October 15th: Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya, with yellow signifying joy, optimism, and the caring warmth of motherhood.

- October 16th: Maa Katyayani, known for destroying evil forces, with green representing nature, growth, harmony, fertility, and fresh beginnings.

- October 17th: Maa Kalaratri, the fierce destroyer of fear, with grey symbolizing balanced thinking and quiet inner strength during difficult times.

- October 18th: Maa Mahagauri, associated with purity and forgiveness, with purple representing ambition, dignity, luxury, and spiritual fulfilment.

- October 19th: Maa Siddhidatri, who grants spiritual powers and aspirations, with peacock green celebrating fulfilment, individuality, freshness, and compassion.

Navratri also marks the beginning of the autumn season. Across the country, households observe fasts, perform daily aartis, and read sacred texts. Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate with Garba and Dandiya-Raas, while West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam focus on Durga Puja with artistic pandals displaying clay idols of Durga defeating Mahishasura. The festival concludes on Vijayadashami, October 20th, with immersion processions.