Navratri 2026: This Year’s Daily Colors, Meaning, Key Dates, Navadurga Celebrations & More | Today’s news
Sharad Navratri celebrates Goddess Durga and her nine forms, collectively known as Navadurga. The festival represents good defeating evil and honors the divine feminine power called Shakti.
It also offers devotees time for prayer, devotion and spiritual renewal. The celebrations last nine nights and ten days and bring families and communities together. Navratri also welcomes autumn.
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In 2026, Navratri begins on Sunday, October 11 with Ghatasthapana. This ceremony involves invoking the goddess and setting up a sacred kalash.
Maha Shashthi falls on October 16, followed by Maha Saptami on October 17. Durga Ashtami and Maha Navami ceremonies fall on October 19. Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, follows on Tuesday, October 20.
The festival follows the Hindu calendar, so its dates change every year. Wearing different colors every day is a popular modern tradition. Each color carries a meaning associated with the Goddess and the spirit of the celebration.
Navratri 2026: Colors of the Day
On October 11devotees worship Maa Shailaputri, daughter of mountains. Orange is the color of the first day, representing warmth, enthusiasm and lively energy. Ghatasthapana marks the beginning of worship that morning.
On October 12Maa Brahmacharini is celebrated, associated with penance and discipline. White, today’s color, represents peace, purity and quiet devotion. The color reflects the gentle, prayerful mood of the day.
On October 13Maa Chandraghanta is worshiped as a protective warrior goddess. Red, today’s color, symbolizes courage, passion, love and protective power. Her form bears the image of a half-moon bell.
On October 14thMaa Kushmanda, considered the creator of the universe, is celebrated. Royal blue, the color of the day, represents depth, richness, calm and divine wisdom.
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On October 15thdevotees will worship Maa Skandamata, the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Yellow, today’s color, means joy, optimism and the nurturing warmth of motherhood.
On October 16the day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, known for destroying evil forces. Green, today’s color, represents nature, growth, harmony, fertility and new beginnings.
On October 17thMaa Kalaratri is worshiped as the fierce destroyer of fear. Gray, the color of the day, symbolizes balanced thinking and quiet inner strength in difficult times.
On October 18a day to honor Maa Mahagauri, associated with purity and forgiveness. Purple represents ambition, dignity, luxury and spiritual fulfillment.
On October 19devotees worship Maa Siddhidatri who bestows spiritual powers and aspirations. Peacock green celebrates fulfillment, individuality, freshness and compassion.
Want a smart way to remember a list of colors every day? Here is an image you can save. Go ahead, forward this to your WhatsApp groups:
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Navratri celebrations across India
Across the country, households observe fasts, perform daily aartis and read sacred texts. Gujarat and Maharashtra celebrate with Garba and Dandiya-Raas around lamps or images of the goddess.
In West Bengal, Odisha and Assam, celebrations center on Durga Puja. Artistic pandals display clay idols depicting Durga defeating Mahishasura.
Vijayadashami brings immersion processions. It completes celebrations that combine faith, community participation and rich regional traditions.