Atreyee Poddar
Grab your chaniya choli and clear your closet because Navratri 2026 kicks off on October 11 and runs through Vijayadashami on October 20, and as always, the nine-night festival comes with its own colour calendar. Each day honours a different form of Goddess Durga, and the shade assigned to it isn't just for the 'gram — it's meant to channel a specific kind of energy. Here's your day-by-day cheat sheet.
Day 1 - Yellow, for Maa Shailputri
The festival opens on a bright note. Yellow is the colour of joy and fresh starts, fitting for a day dedicated to the daughter of the mountains stepping into her power.
Day 2 - Green, for Maa Brahmacharini
Green signals growth and renewal — think of it as Navratri's version of a "new season, new you" moment, honouring the goddess of penance and devotion.
Day 3 - Grey, for Maa Chandraghanta
An unexpected pick for a party season, but grey represents strength held in balance — the calm-but-fierce energy of the goddess famed for battling evil with a crescent moon on her brow.
Day 4 - Orange, for Maa Kushmanda
Warm, radiant, impossible to miss — orange mirrors the goddess believed to have created the universe with her smile, radiating courage and warmth.
Day 5 - White, for Maa Skandamata
The midpoint brings a palette cleanse. White stands for purity and clarity, a breather before the festival's second half, honouring the mother of warrior-god Skanda.
Day 6 - Red, for Maa Katyayani
Bold, fierce, unmissable. Red is passion and determination in its purest form, worn for the fearless warrior goddess.
Day 7 - Royal Blue, for Maa Kalaratri
The "dark night" goddess gets a regal, jewel-toned shade — royal blue reads as stability and quiet richness, a counterpoint to her fierce reputation.
Day 8 - Pink, for Maa Mahagauri
Ashtami calls for softness. Pink is compassion and charm, marking the goddess of peace and serenity.
Day 9 - Purple, for Maa Siddhidatri
The grand finale goes regal. Purple signals ambition, nobility, and spiritual accomplishment, closing out the nine forms of Durga in style.