Navratri, the nine-night festival of devotion, dance, and divine feminine energy, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India. In 2025, Shardiya Navratri begins on September 22 and concludes on October 2 with Vijaya Dashami or Dussehra. Each day is dedicated to a distinct form of Goddess Durga, accompanied by its own significance, rituals, and most notably, a unique color that holds symbolic meaning.
These colors are not randomly assigned; they correspond with the weekday each day falls on, which in turn is ruled by celestial bodies in the Hindu astrological system. In many regions, particularly Maharashtra and Gujarat, women embrace this tradition by dressing in the color of the day, turning the entire festival into a celebration of vibrant hues and spiritual energy.
Here’s your day-by-day guide to Navratri 2025, along with the date, form of the Goddess, and color significance:
Day |
Date & Day of Week |
Goddess |
Color |
Significance & Traditional Bhog (Offering) |
Day 1 |
Sept 22 Monday |
Shailaputri |
White |
Symbolizes purity peace and nature. Goddess Shailaputri is the daughter of the Himalayas. Bhog: Pure Ghee. |
Day 2 |
Sept 23 Tuesday |
Brahmacharini |
Red |
Represents passion auspiciousness and the fire of penance. Bhog: Sugar. |
Day 3 |
Sept 24 Wednesday |
Chandraghanta |
Royal Blue |
Evokes divine energy elegance and tranquility. The goddess wears the crescent moon. Bhog: Kheer or milk sweets. |
Day 4 |
Sept 25 Thursday |
Kushmanda |
Yellow |
Represents happiness brightness and creative power. She is believed to be the creator of the universe. Bhog: Malpua. |
Day 5 |
Sept 26 Friday |
Skandamata |
Green |
Symbolizes growth fertility and motherly love. She is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Bhog: Bananas. |
Day 6 |
Sept 27 Saturday |
Katyayani |
Grey |
Represents the strength to fight evil. Grey signifies the balance between ferocity and calm. Bhog: Honey. |
Day 7 |
Sept 28 Sunday |
Kalaratri |
Orange |
Symbolizes immense power transformation and destroying darkness. Bhog: Jaggery (Gud). |
Day 8 |
Sept 29 Monday |
Mahagauri |
Peacock Green |
Represents purity wisdom and peace. This color signifies uniqueness and compassion. Bhog: Coconut. |
Day 9 |
Sept 30 Tuesday |
Siddhidatri |
Pink |
Symbolizes hope compassion and universal love. She grants all wishes (siddhis). Bhog: Sesame Seeds (Til). |
Day 1 – September 22, Monday
Goddess Shailputri
Color: White
Navratri begins with Ghatasthapana and the worship of Shailputri, the embodiment of strength and purity. White symbolizes peace and serenity, setting the tone for a sacred start to the festival.
Day 2 – September 23, Tuesday
Goddess Brahmacharini
Color: Red
Associated with penance and devotion, Brahmacharini represents spiritual awakening. Red signifies passion, strength, and a fierce dedication to dharma.
Day 3 – September 24, Wednesday
Goddess Chandraghanta
Color: Royal Blue
Chandraghanta, known for her bravery and grace in battle, is worshipped on this day. Royal blue evokes the divine, symbolizing depth, stability, and cosmic connection.
Day 4 – September 25, Thursday
Goddess Kushmanda
Color: Yellow
The creator of the universe, Kushmanda’s name means "cosmic egg." Yellow reflects brightness, positivity, and growth, mirroring the energy she brings into creation.
Day 5 – September 26, Friday
Goddess Skandamata
Color: Green
Skandamata, the nurturing mother of Kartikeya, radiates maternal compassion. Green represents nature, fertility, and the nurturing force of life.
Day 6 – September 27, Saturday
Goddess Katyayani
Color: Grey
Worshipped for courage and victory, Katyayani’s fierce energy is balanced by the color grey, symbolizing balance, detachment, and resilience in adversity.
Day 7 – September 28, Sunday
Goddess Kalaratri
Color: Orange
This fearsome form of the goddess destroys darkness and ignorance. Orange signifies boldness, transformation, and divine energy in action.
Day 8 – September 29, Monday
Goddess Mahagauri
Color: Peacock Green
Known for her calm demeanor and purity, Mahagauri cleanses sins and grants peace. Peacock green reflects uniqueness, healing, and freshness.
Day 9 – September 30, Tuesday
Goddess Siddhidatri
Color: Pink
The goddess of supernatural powers and enlightenment, Siddhidatri bestows blessings on her devotees. Pink reflects love, harmony, and divine grace.
October 1st (Wednesday) & October 2nd (Thursday) - The Culmination
Maha Navami Conclusion: The rituals of the 9th day (Maha Navami) may conclude on October 1st with homa (fire rituals) and Kanya Pujan.
Vijaya Dashami / Dussehra: On October 2nd, the festival culminates with Vijaya Dashami, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and Lord Rama over Ravana.
Why Colors Matter During Navratri
The Navratri color code is not just for aesthetics, it’s a spiritual guide. Dressing in the color of the day is believed to attract the energy of the goddess being worshipped. It becomes a daily ritual that combines devotion with expression, offering a deeper connection to the divine feminine.
Shardiya Navratri is far more than a festival; it's a nine-day spiritual journey guided by color, devotion, and divine energy. Each color is a daily reminder of the unique power of the goddess being worshipped. Whether you're dressing in these auspicious hues, offering the traditional bhog, or simply soaking in the festive spirit, let this guide deepen your connection to one of India's most vibrant celebrations.
