Navratri Colours – 9 Days, 9 Colours and Outfit Ideas
Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, October 11 and ends on Monday, October 19. Dussehra (Vijayadashami) follows on Tuesday, October 20. Each of the nine days honours a different form of Goddess Durga and has its own colour. Wearing that colour is a joyful modern tradition, popular from Mumbai to Ahmedabad and in offices across India. It is a festive custom, not a scriptural rule. Here are the nine colours for this year, what each one means, and easy outfit ideas for every day.
Navratri 2026 colours at a glance
Ghatasthapana (Day 1): 6:19 AM – 10:12 AM, with Abhijit Muhurat 11:44 AM – 12:31 PM. Timings are for New Delhi; check your local panchang.
Why do Navratri colours change every year?
The colours follow the weekday Navratri starts on. Each weekday has a colour: Sunday is orange, Monday white, Tuesday red, Wednesday royal blue, Thursday yellow, Friday green and Saturday grey. Navratri 2026 starts on a Sunday, so Day 1 is orange. When Navratri starts on a different weekday, the whole list shifts. That’s why last year’s list won’t work this year. Bookmark this page; we update it every year.
Day 1 (Oct 11) – Orange – Maa Shailaputri
Shailaputri, the daughter of the mountains, is worshipped on the first day, when the kalash is installed (Ghatasthapana). Orange stands for energy and warmth, a bright way to begin the nine days.
Day 2 (Oct 12) – White – Maa Brahmacharini
Brahmacharini is the goddess of devotion and penance, and white reflects her calm and purity.
Day 3 (Oct 13) – Red – Maa Chandraghanta
Chandraghanta wears a half-moon shaped like a bell on her forehead and stands for courage. Red is the most traditional festive colour of all.
Day 4 (Oct 14) – Royal Blue – Maa Kushmanda
Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her smile. Royal blue is rich and calm, and it looks regal on every skin tone
Day 5 (Oct 15) – Yellow – Maa Skandamata
Skandamata, mother of Lord Kartikeya, is worshipped for motherly love and protection. Yellow brings joy and optimism.
Day 6 (Oct 16) – Green – Maa Katyayani
Katyayani is the warrior form of Durga. Green stands for growth, nature and new beginnings.
Day 7 (Oct 17) – Grey – Maa Kalaratri
Kalaratri is the fiercest form of the goddess, who destroys darkness and fear. Grey is the day’s understated colour. Lift it with silver or a bright accent.
Navratri styling tips
- No outfit in the day’s colour? Add it through a dupatta, bangles, a bindi or a potli bag.
- For Garba nights, choose a lighter lehenga (under 3 kg), flat juttis and secure jewellery.
- Pair the colour with mehndi: see our Arabic mehandi designs and back hand mehandi.
- For kids, see our mehndi designs for kids.
FAQ
What are the Navratri colours for 2026?
Orange, White, Red, Royal Blue, Yellow, Green, Grey, Purple and Peacock Green, from Oct 11 to Oct 19.
What is the colour for Day 1 of Navratri 2026?
Orange, on Sunday, October 11, the day of Maa Shailaputri and Ghatasthapana.
Is wearing Navratri colours compulsory?
No. It is a modern festive custom, not a religious requirement.
When is Dussehra in 2026?
Tuesday, October 20. In Bengal, Bijoya Dashami is observed on October 21.
Why are this year’s colours different from last year’s?
The list depends on the weekday Navratri starts on, so it changes every year.
