Navratri celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga over a span of nine nights in which each night is dedicated to a different aspect of that same divine feminine energy (an aspect we refer to in Hinduism as “Shakti”). Devotees wear colors that allow them to be in consideration of the forms of that created aspect of feminine divinity.
The nine colours symbolize all of the different spiritual qualities connected to the level of divinity and grace possessed by that particular aspected form of feminine divinity (example, one day will honor the color “white” which represents purity and innocence). The purpose of wearing the prescribed color for the day is to invoke not only its blessings but also strengthen one’s commitment to that level of divinity.
Dressing in the daily colors of Navratri is an aspirational practice for many millions of adherents around India and is particularly popular in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Wearing these colours spiritually connects the wearers with the energy from the goddess of their daily veneration.
These colors go beyond clothing and fashion. They symbolize energies, intentions, and personal change. Wearing the prescribed colour every day is a way for many followers to hopefully entrain with the cosmic drumbeat of Navratri and hopefully entrain their own souls with the goddess each day of the festival. We will now take you through the nine colors along with their meanings.
Sharad Navratri in 2025 starts on Monday, 22 September and concludes on Wednesday, 1 October. The festivities conclude with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 2 October, the victory of good over evil.
Navratri literally translates into nine divine, sacred nights of worship. During the nine sacred nights, durga Goddess is worshipped in nine different forms of her supreme goddess being. More importantly, these forms are not just sheer divine manifestations, they embody vital characteristics of human existence, such as inner strength, wisdom, clarity of mind, compassion, and power.
Over centuries, these have each been associated with a colour that encapsulates what it is all about.
Navratri colours 2025 with dates (full list of 9 days)
Meaning: Yellow symbolizes the sun, light, and wisdom. It generates feelings of hope, heartiness, and stimulation. Therefore, a Navratri founded in yellow is said to be based on that note of positivity and new beginnings.
Spiritual meaning: Yellow comes under the solar plexus chakra, which governs confidence and clarity. Like the rising sun expelling the darkness away, yellow motivates us to chase darkness into light.
Meaning: Green is a colour of nature, harmony, and rebirth. It teaches patience, balance, and prosperity. Wearing green during Navratri instills the energy of abundance and creation.
Spiritual significance: Green pertains to the heart chakra, opening us to love, compassion, and emotional healing.
Meaning: Grey, while perceived as dull, symbolically means neutrality, maturity, and balance in opposites. Grey symbolises strength within calmness.
Spiritual meaning: Grey reminds us to remain steady and calm in all of life’s uncertainties, from alertness to relaxing without ego.
Significance: Orange is a vibrant, fearless yet playful colour. It represents self-assurance, strength, and energy. It also stands for creativity and spiritual awakening.
Spiritual Meaning: Orange connects us to the second energy center (chakra) which feeds our imagination, happiness, and self-expression. It supports action and spontaneity.
Meaning: White is for innocence, simplicity, and purity. It brings a calming effect and stands for a new beginning.
Spiritual significance: White brings about forgiveness, peace, and calmness. It means the purification of the soul and strength in simplicity.
Meaning: Red stands for passion, power, and energy. It fuels the willpower to conquer hardships, assurance, and courage as well as devotion.
Spiritual meaning: Red connects to the root chakra bringing us grounding and energy. The root chakra aligns to the energy of Goddess Durga a warrior goddess.
Meaning: Royal blue symbolizes stability, wisdom, and honesty. It conveys confidence and expresses devotion and trust, subsequently bringing in calm clarity.
Spiritual meaning: Royal blue connects to the throat chakra. It is spiritual, allows for self-expression, and feeds faith and devotion.
Meaning: Pink represents warm, gentleness, and affection. Pink represents relationships in harmony and represents the divine feminine nurturer.
Spiritual Meaning: Pink represents forgiveness, self-love, and compassion. It opens the heart to further connections and love universal.
Meaning: Purple represents ambition, dignity, and spirituality. It represents creativity, internal reflection and spiritual growth.
Spiritual Meaning: Purple connects to the crown chakra, representing one’s enlightenment and divine connection. It reminds us that love creates inner transformation.
For believers, the Navratri colours are not only about how to dress, they are a way to honour the goddess, to embody her virtues, and in turn, align with her spiritual force. The nine colours when taken together, echo the dual and ultimate meaning of the festival: light to strength to ultimate transformation.
Choose everyday wear that matches the Navratri colour of the day.
For clothing, explore sarees, salwar suits, lehenga, or even modern styles!
Add touches with dupattas, jewellery, or accessories.
Add colours into work attire for a festive yet professional look.
Happiest of Navrati to you!
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