Navratri is celebrated in the glory of Goddess Durga or Shakti , the greatest supreme feminine power.Sharad Navratri also known as Maha Navratri began on 21 September 2017.People perform fasts, offer prayers and Prasad to please Goddess Durga; Amongst the various rituals of Navratri practiced, another tradition is followed by women of Gujarat and Maharashtra where they dress in beautiful attire as per the special Navratri colours dedicated to the nine forms of Goddess Durga with different colours dedicated to each day.
The people who are observing fast do not consume from cereals, non-vegetarian food and alcohol. They prepare their daily meals with ingredients like singhara atta, buckwheat flour, sabudana, fresh fruits, sendha namak and samak ke chaawal.Also those who are not observing fasts tend to consume all vegetarian diet.
Each day, and each colour, is dedicated to a form of the goddess Durga :
Day 1: Red. This depicts the form Shailputri, with red representing action and vigour.
Day 2: Royal blue. This day is dedicated to Brahmacharini, a blissful figure who is filled with calmness and happiness.
Day 3: Yellow. This colour represents the beauty and grace of the brave and tranquil Chandraghanta.
Day 4: Green. The fourth day is dedicated to Kushmunda, who created the universe and filled it with vegetation, hence the green colour.
Day 5: 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: 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 and a fresh start, pink the colour of Mahagauri, known for her intelligence and calmness.
Day 9: Sky blue. The final day is all about Siddhidatri, a supernatural healer whose colour represents the beauty of nature.
