Navratri is a nine-day festival in which devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), observe fasts, visit temples, and take part in regional celebrations ranging from Garba and Dandiya to Durga Puja.
Each day honours a distinct form of Goddess Durga and carries a specific auspicious colour meant to attract positive energy, prosperity, and joy. This year, the festival will begin on Sunday, 11th October with Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on Tuesday, 20th October.
Let's understand in detail what the puja timings, significance and colours one should wear during this festival are.
When Is Navratri In 2026? Dates, Tithis And Significance
Sharad Navratri will start on Sunday, 11 October 2026, with Ashwin Shukla Pratipada, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra on 20th October, 2026.
Over the nine nights, devotees invoke the nine forms of Durga, the Navadurga, from Shailaputri to Siddhidatri.
Date | Tithi | Goddess | Aspect / Significance |
Oct 11, 2026 | Pratipada | Maa Shailaputri | Daughter of the Mountains — Symbolises strength, nature, and new beginnings. Ghatasthapana takes place today. |
Oct 12, 2026 | Dwitiya | Maa Brahmacharini | The Unmarried Ascetic — Represents penance, purity, devotion, and austerity. |
Oct 13, 2026 | Tritiya | Maa Chandraghanta | The Destroyer of Evil — Adorned with a half-moon on her forehead; brings courage, grace, and bravery. |
Oct 14, 2026 | Chaturthi | Maa Kushmanda | Creator of the Universe — Believed to have created the cosmos with her radiant smile; bestows health and energy. |
Oct 15, 2026 | Panchami | Maa Skandamata | Mother of Lord Kartikeya — Symbolises maternal love, protection, and wisdom. |
Oct 16, 2026 | Shashti | Maa Katyayani | The Warrior Goddess — Formed to destroy the demon Mahishasura; represents courage and victory. |
Oct 17, 2026 | Saptami | Maa Kalaratri | The Fierce Destroyer — The most aggressive form of Durga; destroys ignorance and eliminates darkness/negativity. |
Oct 18, 2026 | Ashtami | Maa Mahagauri | The Pure & Radiant One — Symbolises peace, serenity, and purification of past sins (Maha Ashtami / Kanya Pujan). |
Oct 19, 2026 | Navami | Maa Siddhidatri | The Bestower of Siddhis — Grants perfection, wisdom, and supernatural powers (Maha Navami). |
Why Do People Wear 9 Colours During Navratri?
Wearing nine specific colours during Navratri honours the nine avatars of Goddess Durga (Navadurga). Each day corresponds to a specific form of the deity, representing unique virtues like courage, peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
However, the colour sequence changes annually because it is calculated based on the day of the week Navratri starts, blending ancient Vedic astrology, devotional symbolism, and community celebration into a daily ritual.
Wearing nine specific colours during Navratri honours the nine avatars of Goddess Durga (Image: Pexels)
ALSO READ: 5 Powerful Durga Mantras Traditionally Chanted For Protection
Days, 9 Colours And Significance
Day And Date | Colour Of The Day | Significance And Energy |
Day 1: Oct 11, 2026 | Orange | Warmth, energy, and enthusiasm |
Day 2: Oct 12, 2026 | White | Purity, peace, and spiritual growth |
Day 3: Oct 13, 2026 | Red | Bravery, passion, and vitality |
Day 4: Oct 14, 2026 | Royal Blue | Prosperity, divine strength, and elegance |
Day 5: Oct 15, 2026 | Yellow | Joy, brightness, and optimism |
Day 6: Oct 16, 2026 | Green | New beginnings, nature, and fertility |
Day 7: Oct 17, 2026 | Grey | Overcoming negativity and strength |
Day 8: Oct 18, 2026 | Purple | Ambition, royalty, and peace |
Day 9: Oct 19, 2026 | Peacock Green | Fulfilment, grace, and compassion |
Why Is Navratri Celebrated?
Navratri (literally meaning Nine Nights) marks the victory of good over evil. The festival carries two primary mythological traditions:
1. The Defeat Of Mahishasura: According to Hindu texts, the buffalo demon named Mahishasura obtained a boon that no man or god could defeat him. After getting this boon, he waged war on heaven.
To end his terror, the holy trinity (Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva) combined their divine energy to create Goddess Durga. She fought Mahishasura for nine nights, finally defeating him on the tenth day (Vijayadashami).
2. Lord Rama’s Invocations (Ravan Vadha): In Northern and Western India, Sharad Navratri is also linked to the Ramayana. Lord Rama invoked Goddess Durga’s blessings by performing Chandi Homa before marching into battle against Ravana.
On the tenth day, Rama defeated Ravana, a day celebrated as Dussehra.
ALSO READ: 10 Weapons Of Goddess Durga: Know Their Names And Symbolic Meaning
So, are you excited for Navratri?
FAQs
1. When will Ghatasthapana 2026 take place?
Ghatasthapana (Kalash Sthapana) will take place on Sunday, October 11, 2026, during the Pratipada Tithi of Sharad Navratri.
2. What is the difference between Chaitra and Sharad Navratri?
Chaitra Navratri occurs in March/April (Spring) and concludes with Rama Navami. Sharad Navratri occurs in September/October (Autumn) and concludes with Dussehra (Vijayadashami).