Day 1: Pratipada – Shailaputri Puja
The first
day of Navaratri is dedicated to Maa Shailaputri, the daughter of the
mountains (Shaila means mountain, Putri means daughter). She is considered a
form of Goddess Parvati and represents nature and strength. Devotees perform
the Ghatasthapana, an invocation to Goddess Durga, and place a clay pot
filled with water as a symbol of the goddess. The colour of this day is Yellow,
symbolising joy and happiness.
Day 2: Dwitiya – Brahmacharini Puja
The
second day is devoted to Maa Brahmacharini, who is known for her penance
and austerity. She symbolises wisdom, devotion, and sacrifice. Devotees offer
prayers to seek strength and perseverance, just like the goddess who performed
intense tapasya (penance) to attain Lord Shiva. The auspicious colour of this
day is Green, representing tranquillity and growth.
Day 3: Tritiya – Chandraghanta Puja
On the third day, people worship Maa Chandraghanta, who has a half-moon on her forehead, resembling a bell (ghanta). She signifies bravery and courage, and her fierce form is believed to destroy evil forces. Devotees pray to her to remove obstacles and bring peace and prosperity. The colour associated with this day is Grey, reflecting the balance of calmness and strength.
Day 4: Chaturthi – Kushmanda Puja
The
fourth day honours Maa Kushmanda, the goddess who created the universe
with her divine smile. She is believed to reside in the core of the sun and
provides energy to the entire universe. Devotees worship her for health and
wealth, and the rituals include offering flowers, fruits, and sweets. The
colour for this day is Orange, representing warmth, energy, and
positivity.
Day 5: Panchami – Skandamata Puja
On the
fifth day, Maa Skandamata is worshipped. She is the mother of Lord
Kartikeya (Skanda), the commander of the celestial army. She symbolises
motherhood and the nurturing aspect of the goddess. Worshippers seek blessings
for wisdom, love, and prosperity for their family and children. The colour of
this day is White, symbolising purity, peace, and serenity.
Day 6: Shashthi – Katyayani Puja
The sixth
day is dedicated to Maa Katyayani, a warrior goddess and a fierce form
of Durga. She was born as the daughter of Sage Katyayana to destroy the demon
Mahishasura. Devotees, especially unmarried girls, worship her for a good match
and a happy married life. The colour for this day is Red, symbolising
passion and energy.
Day 7: Saptami – Kalaratri Puja
On the
seventh day, people worship Maa Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Durga.
She is depicted with a dark complexion, dishevelled hair, and a fearless
stance. She is believed to destroy ignorance and darkness. Devotees perform
rituals to ward off negativity and fear from their lives. The associated colour
is Royal Blue, which symbolises immense power and divine energy.
Day 8: Ashtami – Mahagauri Puja
The
eighth day, also known as Durga Ashtami, is dedicated to Maa
Mahagauri, the goddess of purity, serenity, and calmness. It is believed
that she blesses her devotees with peace, prosperity, and happiness. This day
holds special significance, and many devotees also perform the Kanya Puja
by worshipping young girls, symbolising the goddess. The colour for this day is
Pink, representing hope, freshness, and new beginnings.
Day 9: Navami – Siddhidatri Puja
The ninth day is devoted to Maa Siddhidatri
Day 10: Vijayadashami – Dussehra
The tenth
day, known as Vijayadashami, marks the victory of good over evil. This
day is celebrated as Dussehra, symbolising Lord Rama's victory over
Ravana and the slaying of the demon Mahishasura by Goddess Durga. Devotees
immerse the idol of Goddess Durga in water, marking the conclusion of the
festival. The day is celebrated with grand processions, cultural performances,
and burning effigies of Ravana in some parts of India.
Navaratri
is not only a time of fasting, dancing (Garba and Dandiya), and prayer but also
a time for community bonding, devotion, and introspection. The colours
associated with each day add a beautiful, vibrant touch to the festivities, and
people dress accordingly to honour the goddess of the day.