Shardiya Navratri 2023: Know about history and significance of 9 days, 9 colours and 9 forms of Goddess Durga

Shardiya Navratri 2023:  Sharad Navratri is one of the highly anticipated festival in India, celebrated with immense zeal and devotion. 

This nine-day festival is observed in regions such as Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. It coincides with Durga Puja in parts of Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, each having its unique rituals. 

Devotees worship nine incarnations of Goddess Durga - Durga, Shailputri, Brahmacharini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skandmata, Katyayani, Kaalratri, Maha Gauri, and Siddhidatri - during this auspicious nine-day festival.

Navratri holds great significance for the devotees of Maa Durga. Navratri is also a commemoration of the victory of good over evil, as goddess Durga - created by combining the powers of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva - conquered the demon king Mahishasura.

Let’s know about 9 days, 9 colours and 9 forms of Goddess Durga

Day 1 – Pratipada (October 15)

On the first day, Goddess Shailputri is worshipped. Maa Shailputri is the form of Goddess Parvati. Navratri 2023 starts with colour Pink. The colour pink personifies compassion, purity, joy, happiness and enthusiasm. 

Day 2 – Dwitiya (October 16)

The second day is dedicated to Goddess Brahmacharini. She is symbolic of the severe penance carried out by Goddess Parvati. Day 2 of Navratri 2023 signifies white colour. The colour white denotes calm, peace, serenity and purity.

Day 3 – Tritiya (October 17)

Goddess Chandraghanta is worshipped on the third day. She is also known as Chandrakhanda, who has ten arms and holds an assortment of weapons in her hands. Day 3 of Navratri 2023 signifies red colour. The colour red symbolises passion and anger.

Day 4 – Chaturthi (October 18)

On this day, devotees worship Goddess Kushmanda, who is known to have created the universe with her smile. She is depicted with eight arms. Day 4 of Navratri 2023 signifies vibrant orange colour. The colour orange symbolises brightness and knowledge.

Day 5 – Panchami (October 19)

Goddess Skandamata is honored on the fifth day. She represents the motherly love who holds the Kartikeya in his lap. Day 5 of Navratri 2023 signifies yellow colour. The colour yellow signifies joy and cheerfulness. 

Day 6 – Shashthi  (October 20)

On the sixth day, devotees worship Goddess Katyayani, who is considered a fierce form of Durga. Day 6 of Navratri 2023 signifies maroon colour. The maroon colour represents the dedication and will power.

Day 7 - Saptami (October 21)

Goddess Kalaratri is worshipped on the seventh day. She is the fiercest form of goddess Durga, rides a donkey. Day 7 of Navratri 2023 signifies blue colour. The colour blue signifies divine energy.

Day 8 – Ashtami (October 22)

On the eighth day, Goddess Mahagauri is honored. She is extremely bright and shines like a moon. Day 8 of Navratri 2023 signifies green colour. Colour green denotes various aspects of nature and its nourishing qualities.

Day 9 – Navami (October 23)

The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri. Siddhi means supernatural power or meditative ability. Day 9 of Navratri 2023 signifies beige colour. Beige colour represents the clarity and peace.

Wishing everyone a joyful and spiritually enriching Sharad Navratri 2023!