When does Navratri 2018 start and end and what are the nine colours associated with it? Here’s all you need to know
It marks one of the most important times of the year in the Hindu calendar
NAVRATRI marks one of the most important times of the year in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated through colours, music, dance and food.
Here's everything you need to know about the celebration, including what each of the nine colours associated with the nine days means.
What is Navratri?
Navratri, literally "nine nights", is a multi-day Hindu celebration in honour of the goddess Durga.
Theoretically, Navratri occurs two to four times a year - one for each season - however, it is the Sharada Navratri near the autumn equinox (Sept/Oct) that is the most widely celebrated.
For the majority of Indian Hindus, the story behind the nine-day celebration surrounds the victory of goddess Durga over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, who represents egotism.
In other parts of India, Hindus mark the occasion as a celebration of the victory of god Rama over the demon king Ravana.
In all cases, the theme of Navratri is a battle between good and evil, with the forces of good triumphing in the end.
Many devotees fast for the nine days of Navratri, cutting most everyday foods from their diets and eating potatoes and fruit instead.
Meanwhile, celebrations take place throughout the week, including reenactments of the legendary battle between gods and demons.
Crafts and dances are also popular, as well as the creation of statues symbolising important religious figures.
When does Navratri start and end?
The exact dates are determined by the Hindu calendar, so they do change from year to year.
In 2018, Navratri began on Tuesday, October 9, and ends on October 18 with the festival of Dussehra.
In 2019, it will begin on Sunday, September 29, and will come to a colourful end on October 8.
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What do the nine colours mean?
For each day of Navratri, a colour is assigned which devotees are expected to wear while celebrating.
Each day, and each colour, is dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga. Here's what it all means:
- Day 1 (Pratipada): Red - This depicts the form Shailputri, with red representing action and vigour.
- Day 2 (Dwitiya): Royal or Peacock blue - This day is dedicated to Brahmacharini, a blissful figure who is filled with calmness and happiness.
- Day 3 (Tritiya): Yellow. This colour represents the beauty and grace of the brave and tranquil Chandraghanta.
- Day 4 (Chaturthi): Green. The fourth day is dedicated to Kushmunda, who created the universe and filled it with vegetation, hence the green colour.
- Day 5 (Panchami): Grey. This colour symbolises Skandmata, the gods' commander in the war against demons.
- Day 6: Orange. This day is dedicated to Katyayani, a courageous figure who dresses in orange.
- Day 7 (Saptami): White. The seventh day is dedicated to Kalratri, the fiercest form of the goddess who dresses in white, the colour of peace and prayer.
- Day 8: Pink. Denoting hope, optimism and a fresh start, pink is the colour of Mahagauri, known for her intelligence and calmness.
- Day 9 (Navami): Sky blue. The final day is all about Siddhidatri, a supernatural healer whose colour represents the beauty of nature.
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