Sharad Navaratri: Know why the festival that honors Goddess Durga is celebrated | History and significance!
Sharad Navaratri, or Navaratri, means “a period of nine nights” in Sanskrit, is a famous Hindu festival celebrated before the onset of winter in India. The festival is observed in honor of the Goddess Durga, the supreme Goddess.
Story behind Sharad Navratri
According to Hindu legend, a powerful demon named Mahishasura received a boon from Lord Brahma. Hence, he became unstoppable against male Gods. He terrorized both heaven and earth.
Unable to beat Mahishasura, the Gods turned to the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) for help. The combined divine energies of all the Gods gave rise to a powerful, divine feminine form known as Maa Durga.
Seated on a lion, Maa Durga confronted the demon in a vicious battle. It lasted for nine consecutive nights, and on the tenth day, the Goddess defeated and slaughtered the buffalo-demon, restoring peace and righteousness to the world. This day is honored as Vijayadashami (also known as Dussehra).
The festival symbolizes the triumph of divine feminine power (Shakti) over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and purity over negativity.
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What are the nine colors of Sharad Navaratri in 2025?
Devotees observe specific colors each day during Navratri. These colours symbolize various attributes and honor the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Here is the day-wise list of colors and their associated Goddesses:
September 22 (Day 1) – White color: It represents purity and peace. Maa Shailputri is worshipped.
September 23 (Day 2) – Red color: It symbolizes passion and strength. Maa Brahmacharini is worshipped.
September 24 (Day 3) – Royal Blue color: It denotes stability and prosperity. Maa Chandraghanta is worshipped.
September 25 (Day 4) – Yellow color: It signifies joy and positivity. Maa Kushmanda is worshipped.
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September 26 (Day 5) – Green color: It represents growth and peace. Maa Skandamata is worshipped.
September 27 (Day 6) – Grey color: It symbolizes balance and wisdom. Maa Katyayani is worshipped.
September 28 (Day 7) – Orange color: It denotes power and courage. Maa Kaalratri is worshipped.
September 29 (Day 8) – Green color: It represents uniqueness and compassion. Maa Maha Gauri is worshipped.
September 30 (Day 9) – Pink color: It signifies love and harmony. Maa Siddhidatri is worshipped.
Durga Puja 2025
Durga Puja will begin on Shashthi (September 28) and conclude on Navami (October 1)
Observances during the festival
Observances during the festival include socio-cultural programmes, prayer, fasting, pandal visiting, idol immersion, etc.
Sharad Navaratri 2025
This year, Sharad Navaratri will be observed between Monday (22 Sept) and Thursday (2 Oct).
Sharad Navaratri 2026
In 2026, Sharad Navaratri will be observed between October 11 and October 19.
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