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🪔 Oct 2–10, 2026 · Shardiya Navratri

Navratri 2026
Colours Day Wise — All 9 Days

Complete guide: which colour to wear each day, which goddess is worshipped, her mantra, and the story behind each of the nine Navadurga.

Day 1 · Oct 2
Yellow
Shailputri
Day 2 · Oct 3
Green
Brahmacharini
Day 3 · Oct 4
Grey
Chandraghanta
Day 4 · Oct 5
Orange
Kushmanda
Day 5 · Oct 6
White
Skandamata
Day 6 · Oct 7
Red
Katyayani
Day 7 · Oct 8
Royal Blue
Kalaratri
Day 8 · Oct 9
Pink
Mahagauri
Day 9 · Oct 10
Purple
Siddhidatri

Sanskrit Meaning of Navratri

नव
Nava
Nine
from root nav = new, also nine
+
रात्रि
Rātri
Night
from root rā = to grant, bestow
Navratri = “Nine nights.” The festival is observed four times a year (Chaitra, Ashadha, Shardiya, Paush) but the Shardiya Navratri (autumn, Oct–Nov) is the most celebrated. The nine nights correspond to the nine forms of Durga — the Navadurga.

Navratri 2026 — All 9 Days in Detail

1
Oct 2, Thu
Shailputri — Yellow
शैलपुत्री · Daughter of the Mountain
Shailputri is Parvati in her first form — born as the daughter of Himavan (the Himalayas). Shail = mountain, Putri = daughter. She represents the power of nature and grounded, earth energy. Yellow symbolises happiness and brightness.
Mantra
ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः
Mount: Bull (Nandi)
Trident & Lotus
2
Oct 3, Fri
Brahmacharini — Green
ब्रह्मचारिणी · One who practices Brahmacharya
Brahmacharini is Parvati during her intense tapas (austerity) to win Shiva as her husband. Brahma = divine consciousness, Charini = one who moves toward. She fasted for years, living on only Bilva leaves. Green represents growth and fertility.
Mantra
ॐ देवी ब्रह्मचारिण्यै नमः
Mount: On foot
Japa mala & Kamandalu
3
Oct 4, Sat
Chandraghanta — Grey
चन्द्रघण्टा · Moon-bell shaped
Chandraghanta wears a half-moon (Chandra) shaped like a bell (Ghanta) on her forehead. This form appeared when Parvati stopped Shiva's procession of ghosts before their wedding — she is the warrior goddess who brings peace through power. Grey symbolises balance.
Mantra
ॐ देवी चन्द्रघण्टायै नमः
Mount: Tiger
10 hands with weapons & lotus
4
Oct 5, Sun
Kushmanda — Orange
कूष्माण्डा · Cosmic egg creator
Kushmanda is the creator goddess — she created the universe with her smile (Ku = small, Ushma = warmth/energy, Anda = egg). She resides in the sun and gives the sun its light. Orange represents energy and enthusiasm.
Mantra
ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः
Mount: Lion
8 hands with weapons & mala
5
Oct 6, Mon
Skandamata — White
स्कन्दमाता · Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya)
Skandamata is Parvati as the mother of Skanda (Kartikeya/Murugan), the god of war. She holds baby Skanda in her arms while riding a lion — a goddess who is both warrior and nurturer. White symbolises peace and purity.
Mantra
ॐ देवी स्कन्दमातायै नमः
Mount: Lion
4 hands — holds baby Skanda
6
Oct 7, Tue
Katyayani — Red
कात्यायनी · Born to sage Katyayana
Katyayani is the warrior form of Durga who emerged specifically to destroy Mahishasura. She was born in the ashram of sage Katyayana, who had prayed for Durga to be born as his daughter. She is worshipped by unmarried women for a good husband. Red represents power and passion.
Mantra
ॐ देवी कात्यायन्यै नमः
Mount: Lion
Sword & lotus
7
Oct 8, Wed
Kalaratri — Royal Blue
कालरात्रि · Black night / destroyer of darkness
Kalaratri is the fiercest form of Durga — dark as night, with dishevelled hair, three eyes, and flames from her nostrils. She destroyed the demons Shumbha and Nishumbha. Despite her terrifying appearance, she is called Shubhankari (auspicious one). Blue represents courage.
Mantra
ॐ देवी कालरात्र्यै नमः
Mount: Donkey
Sword, hook & noose
8
Oct 9, Thu
Mahagauri — Pink
महागौरी · The great white/fair one
After her intense austerities, Parvati's body turned dark. Shiva purified her by bathing her in the Ganges — she emerged as Mahagauri, glowing white like the moon. Maha = great, Gauri = fair/radiant. Ashtami (Day 8) is when Kanya Puja is performed. Pink symbolises compassion.
Mantra
ॐ देवी महागौर्यै नमः
Mount: White bull
Trident & damaru
9
Oct 10, Fri
Siddhidatri — Purple
सिद्धिदात्री · Giver of siddhis (powers)
Siddhidatri is the final and most complete form of Durga. She grants all eight siddhis (supernatural powers): Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishtva, Vashitva. Shiva himself received his powers from her. Purple represents spirituality and liberation.
Mantra
ॐ देवी सिद्धिदात्र्यै नमः
Mount: Lotus
4 hands — mace, lotus, conch, chakra

Universal Navratri Mantra

ॐ दुं दुर्गायै नमः
Om Dum Durgāyai Namaḥ
Dum (दुं) is the bija (seed) mantra of Durga. Durgāyai = to Durga (dative case). Namaḥ = I bow.
Chant 108 times daily during Navratri, ideally at sunrise or after evening aarti.

Navratri 2026 — FAQ

Can I wear any colour if I don't know the day's colour?

Yes. The colour chart is traditional and auspicious but not mandatory. Red, yellow, and white are universally appropriate for all 9 days if you prefer simplicity.

What is Kanya Puja and when is it in 2026?

Kanya Puja is performed on Ashtami (Day 8, Oct 9) or Navami (Day 9, Oct 10). Nine girls aged 2–10 are invited home, worshipped as manifestations of the nine goddesses, and offered food and gifts.

What is the difference between Navratri and Durga Puja?

Navratri is observed across India — 9 days of fasting, Garba, and Durga worship. Durga Puja is the Bengali and Eastern India version — a 5-day public festival (Shashthi to Dashami) with elaborate pandals and idol immersion on Vijayadashami.

When does Navratri 2026 end?

Navratri 2026 ends on October 10 (Navami). Dussehra / Vijayadashami falls the next day, October 11, 2026 — marking Ram's victory over Ravana.

Related Reading

Dussehra 2026 →Karva Chauth 2026 →Diwali 2026 →Durga Saptashati →108 Names of Lakshmi →

ॐ

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