Nine Days of Navratri Festival in Hinduism and Significance of Each Day

Each of the nine days of Navratri is dedicated to the worship of a specific form of Goddess Durga, known as the “Navadurga”. Each day has its own significance and is associated with a particular color, representing different qualities and powers of the goddess. Let’s look at the significance of each day.

Day 1 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Shailaputri, Daughter of the Mountain

Color of the First Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Yellow, Symbolizing happiness and brightness

Significance of the Day: The first form of Durga, Shailaputri, represents mother nature and purity. She is depicted holding a trident in one hand and a lotus in the other. She rides a bull (Nandi). Worshipping her helps devotees seek the goddess’s blessings for peace and strength.

Day 2 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Brahmacharini, The Ascetic

Color of the Second Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Green, Symbolizing growth and harmony

Significance of the Day: Brahmacharini signifies strength in austerity and penance along with devotion and faith. She walked barefoot through the mountains, performing severe penance to attain Lord Shiva. Her story teaches the importance of perseverance and self-discipline.

Day 3 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Chandraghanta, The Goddess of Courage

Color of the Third Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Grey, Symbolizing strength and transformation

Significance of the Day: Chandraghanta is the goddess of peace and serenity along with bravery and courage. She rides a tiger and has a crescent moon on her forehead, which is why she is called Chandraghanta. She represents beauty, fearlessness, and the destruction of evil.

Day 4 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Kushmanda, The Creator of the Universe

Color of the Fourth Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Orange, Symbolizing warmth, energy, and enthusiasm

Significance of the Day: Kushmanda is believed to be the creator of the universe. She radiates a warm, pure glowing light that is said to have created the cosmos. Worshipping her on this day brings happiness, health, and prosperity.

Day 5 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Skandamata

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Skandamata, Mother of Lord Skanda (Kartikeya)

Color of the Fifth Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: White, Symbolizing purity, peace, and serenity

Significance of the Day: Skandamata is the mother of Lord Skanda, the god of war. She is depicted riding a lion and carrying baby Skanda in her lap. Worshipping her brings wisdom, power, and prosperity. The day represents maternal love, care, and the bond between mother and child.

Day 6 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Katyayani

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Katyayani, The Warrior Goddess

Color of the Sixth Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Red, Symbolizing love, passion, and fearlessness

Significance of the Day: Katyayani is a fierce form of Durga, born to the sage Katyayan. She is depicted with a sword and rides a lion. She symbolizes courage and is worshipped for protection, health, and victory over enemies. Devotees believe that praying to Katyayani can also help in finding a suitable life partner.

Day 7 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri or Kali

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Kalaratri or Kali, The Dark Night

Color of the Seventh Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Royal Blue, Symbolizing power and divine energy

Significance of the Day: Kalaratri is the most violent form of Durga, also known as Kali. She is depicted as dark-skinned, riding a donkey, and carrying a sword and trident. Her terrifying appearance symbolizes the destruction of darkness and ignorance. Worshipping Kalaratri is believed to protect from evil forces, negativity, and fear.

Day 8 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Mahagauri

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Mahagauri, The Goddess of Purity and Serenity

Color of the Eighth Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Pink, Symbolizing hope, compassion, and love

Significance of the Day: Mahagauri represents purity, peace, and tranquility. She is depicted as a fair goddess, riding a bull and holding a trident. Her worship on this day is believed to cleanse devotees of all sins and bring them peace, serenity, and knowledge. This day is also known as Ashtami, one of the most important days of Navratri, when Kanya Puja (worship of young girls) is often performed.

Day 9 of Navratri is Dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri

Form of the Goddess Durga Worshipped: Siddhidatri, The Giver of Supernatural Powers

Color of the Ninth Day of Navratri and it’s Significance: Purple, Symbolizing ambition and power

Significance of the Day: Siddhidatri is the bestower of all siddhis (supernatural powers). She is depicted sitting on a lotus and is believed to bless her devotees with wisdom and perfection. On this final day, also known as Navami, devotees pray to Siddhidatri to fulfill their desires and grant them spiritual and material success.

Day 10: Vijayadashami / Dussehra

Although not part of the nine days, Vijayadashami, the tenth day, marks the conclusion of Navratri. It celebrates the victory of Goddess Durga over Mahishasura and the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana in Hindu mythology, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.