Navratri begins the festive month leading up to Dussera and the Diwali. Navratri means “nine nights” (nava – 9; ratri – night). Hindus celebrate the divine mother goddess Durga as the beginning of autumn.
Most of India will be celebrating the week with dancing (garba for the Gujaratis) and delicious foods.
As goddess Durga appears in nine forms of Hindu goddesses, they each have their own purpose and color. For dulhans (newlywed brides), this is your moment to shine! For the week, wear plenty of beautiful outfits in all the colors.
Let’s go through the nine colors and the goddesses associated with Durga. We also matched up some gorgeous dresses from Indian designers.
Day 1 – 25th September (Pratipada /Ghatasthapana): Shailaputri Devi: Yellow
via {Varun Bahl’s pastel dress collection}
She is worshipped on the third day of Nav
Shailaputri literally means the daughter (putri) of the mountains (shaila). Variously known as Sati Bhavani, Parvati or Hemavati, the daughter of Hemavana – the king of the Himalayas, she is the first among Navadurgas.
Her worship takes place on the first day of Navaratri – the nine divine nights. The embodiment of the power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, she rides a bull and carries a trident and a lotus in her two hands.
Day 2 – 26th September (Dwitya): Bharmachirini Devi: Green
photo by Nitin Patel Photography
Bharmacharini means one who practices devout austerity. She enlightens us in the magnificent embodiment of Durga with great powers and divine grace. She holds a rosary in her right hand and a water utensil in her left hand. She is blissful and endows happiness, peace, prosperity and grace upon all devotees who worship her. Filled with bliss and happiness, she is the way to emancipation – Moksha.
Day 3 – 27th September (Tritya): Chandraghanta Devi: Grey
via {Varun Bahl’s pastel dress collection}
She is worshipped on the third day of Navaratri for peace, tranquility and prosperity in life. She has a ‘chandra’ or half moon in her forehead in the shape of a ‘ghanta’ or bell. That is why she is called ‘Chandraghanta’.
She is charming, has a golden bright complexion and rides a lion. She has ten hands, three eyes and holds weapons in her hands. She is the apostle of bravery and possesses great strength to fight in the battle against demons.
Day 4 – 28th September (Chaturthi) Kushmanda: Orange
via {Pallavi Jaikishan Aamby Valley Bridal Week}
‘Ku-shm-anda means, ‘Ku’ = a little; ‘ushma’ = ‘warmth’; ‘anda’ = ‘the cosmic egg’. She is considered the creator of the universe. The universe was no more than a void full of darkness, until her light spreads in all directions like rays from the sun. Often she is depicted as having eight or ten hands. She holds weapons, glitter, rosary, etc., in her hands, and she rides a lion.
Day 5 – 29th September (Panchmi): Skanda Mata: White
Sonam Kapoor wearing Rohit Bal – photograph by Nitin Patel Photography
She is the mother of Skanda or Lord Kartikeya, who was chosen by gods as their commander in chief in the war against the demons. She is accompanied by the Lord Skanda in his infant form.
Day 6 – 30th September (Shashti): Katyayani: Red
Katyayani was born to Kata, a famous sage, as a gift from Durga.
via {Anju Modi’s Draupadi bridal collection}
Day 7 – 1st October (Saptami): Kaal Ratri: Blue
via {Anju Modi’s Manikarnika bridal collection at Lakme Fashion Week}
Kaal Ratri (meaning ‘black night’) has a dark complexion, disheveled hair and a fearlessness posture. A necklace flashing lightning adorns her neck. She has three eyes that shine bright and terrible flames emanate from her breath.
She is black like Goddess Kali and holds a sparkling sword in her right hand battle all evil.
Day 8 – 2nd October (Ashtami): Maha Gauri: Pink
via {Sulakshanas’ collection at india couture week}
Maha Gauri’s power is unfailing and instantly fruitful. As a result of her worship, all sins of past, present and future get washed away and devotees get purified in all aspects of life. She is intelligent, peaceful and calm.
Day 9/Day 10 – 3rd October (Navmi/Dashmi): Siddhidatri: Purple
via {Mandira Wirk at India Bridal Fashion Week}
Siddhidatri has supernatural healing powers and has four arms. She is always in a blissful happy, enchanting pose with her lion as the vehicle. She blesses all Gods, saints, yogis, tantrics and all devotees as a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.
Wishing you all a blessed and wonderful Navratri!