Navratri 2026: Purple is the colour of Day 8 – Durga Ashtami (Sunday, October 18, 2026), the day of Maa Mahagauri. Navratri colours change every year with the weekday the festival begins on. See all 9 Navratri colours for 2026 →
Purple has always been the colour of royalty, and it brings a rich, regal feel to festive dressing. Here are our favourite purple Anarkalis, sarees and lehengas for Navratri.
[Also Read: Paithani Saree]
What does purple mean in Navratri?
In 2026, purple is the colour of the eighth day, Durga Ashtami, dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, who stands for purity, serenity and grace. Ashtami is one of the most important days of the festival. Many homes perform Kanya Pujan, worshipping young girls as forms of the goddess, and Bengal celebrates Maha Ashtami with the Sandhi Puja. Purple stands for ambition, dignity and a festive richness.
The purple color has always been the shade that signifies luxury, passion and royalty. This color just reminds us of princely robes, dazzling gems, papal vestments and florid prose. If we look back at its history, we see how this color was only confined to the elite few and was marked as a symbol of aristocracy.
But now this color has become commonplace and a significant shade in the fashion domain. The best thing about this color is that it looks great on every skin tone and personality.
Purple Anarkali Suits for Navratri
Here are some beautiful purple Anarkalis to wear this Ashtami.
This is a beautiful floor-length Anarkali suit available with flares and elaborated with zari work on the bodice and sleeves. The purple of this shade beautifully blends with golden zari work on the neck, border and sleeves. The rich embellished patchwork retains the ethnicity of this suit, thereby minimizing accessories for the neck and hands.
This is another beautiful Anarkali from the same catalogue. The rich embellished design just makes this dress look royal and luxe. The chest is heavily decorated with embroidery work in silver and gold floral motifs on purple velvet. The rest of the dress has a floral print that gives a perfect balance to the overall dress. Wear a pair of pretty stone earrings to complete the look.
How about this beautiful sea green and purple Anarkali with ornate designs? This is one of our favourites. The embellished ornate work on the V-Neckline is flattering on petite frames.
The border in sea green floral design is a patchwork with lace elements added to the dress. The net sleeves and dupatta in beige speak of modern elements, whilst maintaining the ethnicity of this suit piece.
I now offer you a beautiful purple floor length anarkali suit in a similar style. This is a beautiful number with intricate motifs on the chest and even the border. Heavy embroidered lower lining with contrast hemline accentuates the overall look of the ensemble.
Compared to the previous saree, this one is much simpler. In georgette material that has only a small border running all over it. But, the highlight of the saree is the heavily intricated blouse in gold. This combination can also be worn to wedding receptions. Avoid necklaces and bangles, and only choose heavy earrings in purple to compliment the ensemble.
This is another elaborate saree and if you are a newly-wed, then this one is just for you. This designer saree with patch work border has a similar embroidery done on the blouse that adds value to the look.
Another simple saree with an elaborate embroidered blouse makes this saree wearable for Navratri too. You can also substitute this saree with a purple bandhani saree for Navratri get togethers.
Purple Lehengas for Navratri
No festive season is complete without a lehenga. Here are some of our favourite purple picks for Garba nights.
A net lehenga choli with applique work like this shon below is surely a head – turner. Embroidered patterns, crystal embellishments, boader patwork designs – what more can you ask for?
A net lehenga saree is for the one who struggles to maintain a saree but loves to flaunt one. Such half-saris are easy to manage and make you look tall too. Wear with designer gold and stone jewellery to steal the show.
Here is another fabulous Bollywood-inspired saree in purple shade to grace the occasion. Just as yellow goes with pink, here purple is paired with white which makes the outfit brighter and attractive.
This beautiful saree is flanked by white embroidered motifs that are spread across the bodice. The border of the saree is decorated with floral patterns and a golden border. The light-weight net fabric of this saree is paired with a shimmering petticoat that gives an edge to the outfit.
If you love to mix and match contrasting colors then this saree will instantly drag your attention not for its print but also for its beautiful blouse design in contrasting black.
The saree comes in dual shades of purple and white. While the pallu is plain with random sprinkles of crystals, the bodice is flanked by grape-like prints against white backdrop. And not to mention the brocade is adorned with zari work.
More purple outfit ideas
Outfit ideas for the other Navratri colours
- Orange outfit ideas for Navratri
- White outfit ideas for Navratri
- Red outfit ideas for Navratri
- Royal blue outfit ideas for Navratri
- Yellow outfit ideas for Navratri
- Green outfit ideas for Navratri
- Grey outfit ideas for Navratri
- Peacock green outfit ideas for Navratri
FAQ
Which day of Navratri is purple in 2026?
Purple is the colour of Day 8 (Durga Ashtami), Sunday, October 18, 2026, dedicated to Maa Mahagauri.
What should little girls wear for Kanya Pujan?
A purple or pink pavadai, lehenga or frock with a small bindi and flowers in the hair looks lovely and keeps them comfortable.
What colours go well with purple?
Gold, silver, cream, pink, sea green and orange all pair well with purple.
Wishing you a joyful Navratri. Jai Mata Di!
Images Source: pinterest
