Colours are the chief component of festivals in India. The rangoli, decorations, lighting, traditional-wear clothes, jewellery, flowers, etc.- the colour of each element matters during the rituals. Navratri, however, used to be primarily associated with red- the colour of sindoor. Over the years, the trend of colour codes on each of the nine days of Navratri began.
The colours of these nine days change every year based on the Hindu calendar tithi. And that coloured clothes are worn. It's now a Navratri ritual to not only dress as per the respective colour but also decorate the Goddess’s idol and background according to the day's colour. People also cook meals and prasad as per the colour code.
Each of these colours has a certain significance. Colour psychology plays a vital role here. For example, red attracts love. It helps manifest passion and power.
Here are the Navratri 2023 colours:
Day 1: October 15, 2023. Sunday.
Orange
Navratri 2023 begins with the colour orange. Orange stands for new beginnings. It is a holy colour worn by sadhus (priests) and monks in Hindu and Buddhist cultures.
In the belief of a new chapter in life, just like the sunrise, orange is a pledge towards a bright future.
Day 2: October 16, 2023. Monday.
White
Maa Saraswati, in her white sari, sketches out a perfect picture of pure wisdom. And wisdom calls out for peace. That is what the colour white stands for.
In the religious pathshalas, it is compulsory to wear a white dress.
Day 3: October 17, 2023. Tuesday.
Red
Red is one powerful colour. It is the colour of blood and heart. It is thus associated with power, courage and passion.
The colour red stimulates heart rate which affects various functions of the body. One of which is the appetite. Thus, many food chains and restaurants prefer having their walls and logo red.
Red is considered the most auspicious colour in Indian culture. Red is the colour of the Goddess. From sindoor to alta, red can be applied or worn anywhere.
Day 4: October 18, 2023. Wednesday.
Blue
It is said that, to a writer or a scholar ink is like a drug. Now that we write on computers, try changing the font colour to blue and then resume your work. The colour endures knowledge and creativity.
Blue is also called the colour of truth. Maybe that is why Baba Saheb Ambedkar wore blue suits.
For Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg, “Blue is the richest colour”. The reason is that he is colour-blind and can see blue colour only. Also, that is why Facebook’s logo is blue. But a majority of companies have blue-coloured logos.
Until a few years back, the schools, hospitals and banks had their walls and/or banners coloured blue to convey trust in their institutions.
Day 5: October 19, 2023. Thursday.
Yellow
Yellow is gold, sunshine, prosperity and good fortune.
Similar to red, yellow is also a prime auspicious colour. Every auspicious ceremony in Indian culture includes Haldi (turmeric) and kumkum - Yellow and red. Also, the yellow marigold stands a place in all the rituals.
Day 6: October 20, 2023. Friday.
Green
We see green and we think about plants, nature, and the environment.
Green is for fertility (like fertile land that is covered with green crops, trees, etc.), renewal or recycling (like the many cycles of nature), and growth (like the growing leaves, flowers, trees, etc.).
The green bangles worn in many traditions mark the blessing of good married life and fertility.
Day 7: October 21, 2023. Saturday.
Grey
Among the red, green, yellow and other vibrant colours that we see around in all Indian festivals, where does Grey get a seat?
Grey personifies the universe. Grey relates to the vastness of the cosmic energy that resides inside a human soul.
The grey-coloured ashes- from cow dung and cremation grounds- are considered holy. Devotees apply the ash on the forehead, neck and tongue. Aghori sadhus apply it all over their bodies
Day 8: October 22, 2023. Sunday.
Purple
The colour purple resonates with luxury.
In 1914, when Cadbury had to offer its chocolate to Queen Victoria, they used purple wrappers for presentation. Since then, their chocolates have been a purple parcel.
Since ancient times, the colour purple has been on the royal throne. The reason was that it was difficult and expensive to fabricate. Only the royals could afford it. You must have noticed that most of the kings have purple robes. Thus, purple is also called the colour of kings.
Wearing purple thus symbolises nobility, grace, abundance and richness.
Day 9: October 23, 2023. Monday.
Peacock Green
Resembling the wide open plume of peacock feathers, peacock green colour echoes a high-spirited, diverse, vibrant life.
Like the peacock’s feathers that look beautiful even when it is single and also in a bunch, this colour is a mark of individuality and harmony. Every person is unique. People have their own thoughts, views and feelings. Yet harmony and love across humanity is essential.
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