The Navratri festival is unique for dressing up in nine different color that match with each color of the Devis. Dressing the goddesses and even the women in each color for each day is a tradition for the Gujaratis and the Maharastran Hindus.
Navratri literally means nine nights and occurs in Sept/October during the month of Ashvin. These days celebrate the nine forms of shakti/devi.
At the end of Navratri, Dusshera is celebrated and in Gujarat, people celebrate with folk dances called raas and garba. It’s a fun and wonderful time of year that ushers in the end of the harvest and the welcoming of an approaching new year.
Colors and devis for 2011:
September 28th 2011 – Kalasha Sthapana (Ghatasthapana) – Blue
September 29th 2011 – Preethi Dwitiya (Preeti Vidiya) – Yellow
September 30th 2011 – Bhouma Chaturthi – Green
October 1st 2011 – Upang Lalitha Gauri Vrata (Sri Lalitha Panchami or Maha Panchami )– Grey
October 2nd 2011 – Maha Sashti– Kesari (orange)
October 3rd 2011 – Maha Saptami – White
October 4th 2011 – Durga Ashtami (Maha Astami) – Red
October 5th 2011 – Maharnavami Puja (Maha Navami) – Purple
October 6th 2011 – Vijaya Dashami (Dussera/ Dasara/ Dussehra) – Pink
Get your devis, and yourself, dressed up for the festive season.