Shardiya Navratri from Oct 11 to 19, with a colour set for each of the nine days

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated with enthusiasm and devotion across the country, including Maharashtra. It is regarded as the festival of worship of the nine forms of Adishakti. During the nine days, the nine forms of the Goddess are worshipped. A particular colour is fixed for each day, and devotees join the festivities wearing clothes of that colour.

This year Ghatasthapana is on October 11, 2026, and the festival will run from October 11 to October 19. It begins on Sunday, October 11, with the saffron colour. Saffron is regarded as a symbol of energy, vitality and enthusiasm, so the mood will be vibrant from the very first day.

On Monday, October 12, white, the symbol of peace and purity, will be worn. On Tuesday, October 13, red, the colour of love and enthusiasm, will be the main attraction of the festival. Blue has been fixed for Wednesday, October 14, vibrant yellow for Thursday, October 15, and green, which connects people to nature, for Friday, October 16.

In the final phase of the festival, grey will be worn on Saturday, October 17, and purple on Sunday, October 18. The festival will conclude on Monday, October 19 with peacock green.

During these nine days, the colours are expected to be hugely popular among school and college students, various mandals and women. Offices, housing societies and public places will also host competitions, cultural programmes and shows built around the colours. Besides adding colour, these events will also increase social mingling and the exchange of joy among people.

Day one, Pratipada: Shailaputri and saffron. Goddess Shailaputri is worshipped on this day. She holds a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. Orange, or saffron, is regarded as a symbol of enthusiasm, radiance, energy and valour.

Day two, Dwitiya: Brahmacharini and white. This goddess, who performed severe penance, holds a rosary and a kamandalu. This form symbolises knowledge, penance and restraint. White is regarded as a symbol of purity, peace and cleanliness.

Day three, Tritiya: Chandraghanta and red. The Goddess has a bell-shaped crescent moon adorning her forehead, which is why she is called Chandraghanta. This form is believed to destroy all the troubles of devotees. Red symbolises energy, courage, valour and love.

Day four, Chaturthi: Kushmanda and blue. This is the fourth form of Goddess Kushmanda, the creator of the universe. She is regarded as Adishakti because she created the entire cosmos with her gentle smile. Blue symbolises the infinite sky, stability and peace.

Day five, Panchami: Skandamata and yellow. Skandamata, the mother of Kartikeya, or Skanda, is the fifth form and sits on a lotus seat. This form symbolises the love between mother and child. Yellow symbolises vitality, joy, positive energy and intelligence.

Day six, Shashthi: Katyayani and green. Pleased by the penance of Maharishi Katyayan, the Goddess was born in his home as a daughter, which is why she is called Katyayani. This form is regarded as extremely radiant and as a warrior. Green symbolises nature, prosperity, new beginnings and growth.

Day seven, Saptami: Kalaratri and grey. Kalaratri is the fiercest form of Goddess Parvati. Her complexion is dark and her hair is loose. This form is known for destroying darkness and evil. The colour reflects the strength to face troubles and a hardworking nature.

Day eight, Ashtami: Mahagauri and purple. She is called Mahagauri because of her extremely fair complexion. This form is regarded as extremely calm, restrained and the fulfiller of all the wishes of devotees. Kanya puja has special significance on Ashtami. Purple is regarded as a symbol of spirituality, high thinking, grandeur and self-confidence.

Day nine, Navami: Siddhidatri and peacock green. The last day of Navratri is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. She is the goddess who grants every kind of siddhi and knowledge. This colour is regarded as a symbol of unique beauty, intelligence and prosperity.