Navratri: 9 Colours, Goddess Names and Their Importance
Navratri celebrates Goddess Durga's 9 forms, each symbolising unique qualities and virtues, with specific offerings and colours to honour her during this joyous festival.
Navratri, the festival of 9 days, has begun! It is a time for devotion, joy, fasting, and of course, Garba. During these 9 days, Goddess Durga is worshipped in 9 different forms, each form symbolizing a special meaning. Let’s learn about these forms and what they represent, along with the offerings and colours to wear for each day.
1. Shailputri
Shailputri means the daughter of the mountains. She is the first form of Maa Durga, also known as Goddess Parvati, who is the daughter of the King of mountains, Himalaya.
Prasad: Sabudana Khichdi
Colour: Red
2. Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini is Goddess Parvati in her unmarried, celibate form. She did years of penance to marry Lord Shiva. She symbolizes devotion and spiritual knowledge.
Prasad: Jaggery
Colour: Royal Blue
3. Chandraghanta
This is Maa Durga after her marriage to Lord Shiva. She wears a half-moon on her forehead, and her form represents courage.
Prasad: Rice Kheer
Colour: Red
4. Kushmanda
Goddess Kushmanda’s smile created the universe and brought light to it. She symbolizes energy and vitality.
Prasad: Malpua
Colour: Orange
5. Skandamata
Skandamata is the mother of Lord Kartikeya. Her form represents motherly love and protection.
Prasad: Bananas
Colour: Yellow
6. Katyayani
Born as the daughter of Sage Katyayana, this form of Maa Durga is the warrior goddess who killed the demon Mahishasura. She stands for courage and valour.
Prasad: Honey
Colour: Maroon
7. Kaalratri
Kaalratri is the fierce form of Maa Durga. She destroyed the demon Raktabeej by drinking his blood and stopping his clones from multiplying. She symbolizes strength and the destruction of evil.
Prasad: Jaggery
Colour: Grey
8. Mahagauri
After washing off her dark skin in the Ganga, Goddess Parvati became Mahagauri, symbolizing purity and peace. She defeated demons Shumbha and Nishumbha in her virgin form.
Prasad: Coconut Sweets
Colour: Purple
9. Siddhidatri
Siddhidatri is the giver of all supernatural powers (siddhis). She blessed Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva with these powers to help them create and manage the universe.
Prasad: Kheer, Puri, and Chana
Colour: Peacock Green
Each day of Navratri has its unique offering and colour to honour the different forms of Maa Durga. We wish you a Happy Navratri and may Maa Durga bless you all!
