Bhubaneswar, Oct 10: With Navratri right around the corner, the vibrant festival of colors is set to paint the town with its festive spirit. During the auspicious nine days of Navratri, devotees honor the nine divine forms of Maa Durga, each associated with a specific color. However, there are certain colors considered to be Maa Durga's favorites, and donning clothes in these hues is believed to invite her blessings.
Shardiya Navratri is scheduled to commence on the 15th of October. Over these nine days, devotees will worship the various incarnations of Goddess Durga, each linked to distinct colors. If you choose to wear the colors cherished by Maa Durga during these sacred days, you may experience her special blessings. Let's explore which colored outfits are recommended to invoke Maa Durga's blessings during Navratri.
When Does Navratri Begin?
According to the Hindu calendar, this year's Shardiya Navratri will start on the 15th of October 2023 and conclude on the 23rd of October. Vijayadashami, the day of victory, will be celebrated on the 24th of October. To celebrate Navratri fully, adorn your home temple and ensure you wear different colored clothes each day in accordance with Navratri's color scheme.
The Nine Navratri Colors
The choice of these nine colors is based on the deities worshiped during the nine days of Navratri. Embracing these colors not only enhances the Navratri festivities but also strengthens your connection to the celebrations.
1. Tangy Orange - Day 1
Kickstart Navratri with a tangy orange-themed mandir decoration. Adorn your temple with a long string of orange and yellow marigold flowers to give it a refreshing, positive look reminiscent of a temple.
2. White - Day 2
On the second day of Sharad Navratri, embrace the color white. Beautify your Navratri mandir with elegant white Tulip flowers. Decorate the wall behind the mandap with these pristine flowers to create a serene ambiance.
3. Gorgeous Red - Day 3
Day 3 of Sharad Navratri calls for the vibrant color red. The vivacity of red is closely associated with Devi or Goddess. For your Navratri mandir decoration, consider using fresh roses to craft a large "OM" symbol or utilize a red chunari/dupatta to set up your mandir background.
4. Royal Blue - Day 4
Day 4 of Sharad Navratri brings the regal color of royal blue. Infuse your mandir with this color theme by incorporating vibrant blue orchids. Create a jali design background with blue orchids to add intricate detailing behind the idols.
5. Yellow - Day 5
On the fifth day of Sharad Navratri, celebrate with the color yellow. Marigold flowers, known to appease the principal deity, work beautifully for Navratri mandir decoration. Consider placing marigold flowers on a floating lamp and positioning it in the mandir.
6. Green - Day 6
Day 6 of Navratri is all about the color green. Opt for a traditional Navratri mandir decoration theme by using Ashoka/mango leaves. Craft a toran with mango leaves interspersed with marigold flowers and hang it at the mandir entrance.
7. Grey - Day 7
Day 7 of Navratri adopts a more subtle color, grey. Instead of directly using grey for mandir decoration, consider creating the mandap with mirror work cloth. This will infuse the Navratri mandir decoration with a lively yet understated charm.
8. Purple - Day 8
The eighth day of Sharad Navratri celebrates the color purple. For this occasion, consider decorating your mandap with purple drapes to create an enchanting ambiance.
9. Mesmerizing Peacock Green - Day 9
The final day of Sharad Navratri in 2023 is graced by the mesmerizing peacock green. Get creative and craft DIY wall hangings or handicrafts using peacock green and contrasting Navratri colors to infuse your Navratri mandir decoration with a personalized touch.
Embrace the colors of Navratri to not only adorn your surroundings but also to connect with the divine energies that accompany this auspicious festival.
