Navratri is one of India’s most vibrant festivals—a nine-night celebration dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga. From fasting and puja to Garba, Dandiya, Durga celebrations and festive gatherings, traditions may vary across regions, but colour remains an important part of the celebration.

Every year, devotees follow a sequence of nine Navratri colours, with one colour associated with each day of the festival.

If you're planning for Shardiya Navratri 2026, here is a complete guide to the Navratri 2026 dates, 9 colours, their meanings, the nine forms of Maa Durga, festive dressing and celebration ideas.

When Is Navratri 2026?

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026.

The nine-day celebration continues through October, followed by Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

Shardiya Navratri takes place during the Hindu month of Ashwin and is among the most widely celebrated Navratris in India.

What Are the 9 Colours of Navratri 2026?

The Navratri colour sequence changes from year to year because the first colour is traditionally determined by the weekday on which Navratri begins, followed by the established sequence.

For Navratri 2026, the nine-day colour sequence is:

Note: Regional calendars and traditions can vary, so devotees may follow different colour associations.

Navratri 2026: 9 Days and the Meaning of Each Colour

Day 1 - Orange

Date: 11 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Shailputri

Orange brings warmth and energy to the beginning of Navratri. It is commonly associated with enthusiasm, positivity and vitality.

The first day is dedicated to Maa Shailputri, regarded as the first manifestation of Goddess Durga.

How to wear orange for Navratri

For daytime puja, choose warm ochre, rust, saffron or soft orange rather than restricting yourself to one exact shade.

An orange handloom saree can be paired with gold-toned jewellery and a traditional potli for an understated festive look.

Day 2 - White

Date: 12 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Brahmacharini

White represents peace, purity and simplicity.

Dedicated to Maa Brahmacharini, the second day of Navratri lends itself beautifully to restrained festive dressing.

How to style white

Ivory, cream and off-white can work alongside pure white.

Traditional handloom textures, subtle metallic details and handcrafted jewellery can add depth without taking away from the simplicity of the colour.

Day 3 - Red

Date: 13 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Chandraghanta

Red is one of the most powerful colours associated with Indian festivities. It represents strength, passion and energy.

Day three honours Maa Chandraghanta.

How to style red for Navratri

Choose from vermilion, crimson, maroon or deeper jewel-toned reds.

For evening Garba or Dandiya celebrations, pair richer red textiles with statement earrings, embroidered footwear and a festive clutch.

Day 4 - Royal Blue

Date: 14 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Kushmanda

Royal blue brings richness and depth to festive dressing and is often associated with calmness, confidence and elegance.

Day four celebrates Maa Kushmanda.

Styling idea

Royal blue works particularly beautifully in lustrous textiles.

A blue Tissue Silk or richly woven saree can be balanced with silver-toned or gold-toned jewellery depending on its border and motifs.

Day 5 - Yellow

Date: 15 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Skandamata

Yellow represents joy, optimism and warmth.

The fifth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Skandamata.

How to wear yellow

From mustard and ochre to turmeric and bright yellow, there is plenty of room to interpret the colour.

For morning celebrations, keep the styling light with handcrafted earrings and comfortable juttis.

Day 6 - Green

Date: 16 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Katyayani

Green represents growth, harmony and renewal.

Day six honours Maa Katyayani.

Styling green for Navratri

Emerald, bottle green, forest green and softer leafy shades can all create distinctly different looks.

A green handloom saree with contrasting jewellery can work for puja as easily as it does for an evening celebration.

Day 7 - Grey

Date: 17 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Kalaratri

Grey provides an interesting contrast to Navratri's traditionally bright palette.

It is often interpreted as representing balance and strength.

Making grey festive

The easiest way to elevate grey is through texture.

Pair a grey or silver-toned textile with statement jewellery, an embroidered potli or metallic footwear to introduce festive detail without overwhelming the colour.

Day 8 - Purple

Date: 18 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Mahagauri

Purple is associated with individuality, richness and grandeur.

Day eight is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri.

Purple Navratri styling

Plum, violet, mauve and deep purple offer several alternatives to a conventional bright purple outfit.

A jewel-toned saree with gold jewellery works particularly well for evening celebrations.

Day 9 - Peacock Green

Date: 19 October 2026
Goddess: Maa Siddhidatri

The final Navratri colour is Peacock Green, a distinctive shade that brings together green with blue undertones.

The colour is associated with beauty, individuality and renewal.

For the final day, deeper peacock, teal and blue-green textiles create an elegant alternative to conventional festive colours.

Why Are Different Colours Worn During Navratri?

The tradition of wearing a different colour each day has become a popular way of connecting clothing with the nine-day celebration.

Each day is dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga, while the colour associated with that day carries its own symbolic interpretation.

The tradition has also become a social part of Navratri celebrations, with families, workplaces and communities coordinating their outfits according to the day's colour.

What to Wear During Navratri 2026

Navratri dressing depends heavily on how you're celebrating.

For puja and daytime celebrations, lightweight handloom sarees, kurtas and traditional outfits allow easier movement.

For Garba and Dandiya nights, choose outfits that allow movement and pair them with comfortable footwear.

For Ashtami and Navami, richer traditional textiles, jewellery and festive accessories can create a more ceremonial look.

At Atulya Karigari, Navratri colours can be explored across Indian handloom and handcrafted collections, including Banarasi Silk, Tissue Silk, Tussar Silk, Khandua Silk, Sambalpuri, Kota Doria, Organza and other handcrafted sarees.

Navratri Jewellery & Accessories

Following the nine-colour tradition doesn't mean every part of your outfit needs to be the same shade.

Accessories can create contrast.

Statement earrings can elevate a simple outfit, while handcrafted juttis and mojaris work with traditional ensembles. Mules offer a more contemporary alternative, and brocade potlis or clutches can introduce another festive textile into the look.

For example, an ivory outfit can be paired with colourful jewellery, while royal blue or purple can be balanced with metallic accessories.

Navratri Gift Ideas

Navratri is also a time for visiting family and friends, attending pujas and exchanging festive gifts.

Instead of limiting gifting to conventional sweet boxes, consider handcrafted pieces that can continue being used after the festival.

Atulya Karigari's collection includes Dhokra art, Golden Grass crafts, handcrafted jewellery, potli bags, clutches, juttis, mules and Indian handloom, allowing the gift to be selected according to the recipient rather than the festival alone.

Celebrate Nine Days of Colour with Atulya Karigari

Navratri is a celebration of devotion, strength and tradition—but also one of colour.

Nine days provide nine opportunities to explore Indian textiles, jewellery, accessories and craftsmanship differently.

At Atulya Karigari, the celebration extends beyond simply following the colour of the day. Handloom sarees, handcrafted jewellery, traditional footwear, potlis, clutches and Indian handicrafts bring together craft traditions that have been carried across generations.

This Navratri, let every colour tell its own story.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Navratri start in 2026?
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on 11 October 2026.

What are the 9 colours of Navratri 2026?
The commonly followed sequence is Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple and Peacock Green.

Why do we wear different colours during Navratri?
Each day of Navratri is dedicated to a form of Goddess Durga, and the day's colour is popularly associated with particular symbolic qualities.

Which colour should I wear on the first day of Navratri 2026?
The commonly followed colour for the first day of Shardiya Navratri 2026 is Orange.

What should I wear for Navratri?
Sarees, lehengas, kurtas, anarkalis and other Indian outfits work well. Your choice should also depend on whether you're attending puja, Garba, Dandiya or a festive gathering.

What can I gift during Navratri?
Indian handicrafts, handcrafted jewellery, potli bags, Dhokra décor, natural-fibre crafts and handloom products can make thoughtful Navratri gifts.