Navratri day three on October 13: devotees to wear red and worship Goddess Chandraghanta
Red is the colour of the third day of Navratri, when Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on Tritiya, which falls on Tuesday, October 13.
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Every day of Navratri has a prescribed colour. On the third day, Tritiya, Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped and there is a tradition of wearing red. By the calendar, the day falls on Tuesday, October 13.
Red is not considered merely a colour. It is said to symbolise energy, valour, love and devotion. Its significance on Tritiya and its spiritual attributes are explained below.
In Hinduism, red is considered highly sacred and auspicious. Red clothes, red flowers (especially hibiscus and rose) and kumkum hold special importance in the worship of the Goddess.
Goddess Chandraghanta, worshipped on the third day, has eight arms and a half-moon the shape of a grain of rice on her forehead. This form of the Goddess is fierce, but she is extremely gentle and benevolent towards her devotees. Red reflects this form of strength and compassion.
Red is regarded as a symbol of fire and energy. The muladhara chakra of the human body is also associated with red, and is said to give a person mental stability and physical strength. It is believed that wearing red clothes on this day drives away negative thoughts and creates positive energy.
On one hand, red symbolises love, affection and devotion; on the other, it also represents valour and the fight against evil forces.
On the use of red in worship, performing the puja on Tritiya in a red sari, kurta or some other traditional outfit is considered highly rewarding. During the puja, a red chunari, red flowers and kumkum are offered to the Goddess. Offering jaggery or red-coloured sweets to the Goddess on this day is also considered auspicious.
The third day of Navratri is described as a day to fill life with new enthusiasm, patience and love. By wearing red and worshipping Goddess Chandraghanta with devotion, the day can be celebrated with joy.
The colours for the nine days are as follows. Day one, Sunday, October 11, Shailputri puja: orange or saffron. Day two, Monday, October 12, Brahmacharini puja: white. Day three, Tuesday, October 13, Chandraghanta puja: red.
Day four, Wednesday, October 14, Kushmanda puja: royal blue. Day five, Thursday, October 15, Skandamata puja: yellow. Day six, Friday, October 16, Katyayani puja: green.
Day seven, Saturday, October 17, Kalaratri puja: grey. Day eight, Sunday, October 18, Mahagauri puja: purple. Day nine, Monday, October 19, Siddhidatri puja: peacock green.
