| Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated for nine nights and ten days. During this period, nine forms of Goddess Durga are worshipped, each day dedicated to a different avatar. The festival symbolizes the victory of good over evil. Day 1: Shailaputri The first day is dedicated to Goddess Shailaputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. She is a form of Shakti, the companion of Lord Shiva. The color of the day is red, which depicts action and vigor. Day 2: Brahmacharini On the second day, Goddess Brahmacharini is worshipped. She is the embodiment of immense power and divine grace. The color of the day is royal blue, which signifies tranquility yet strong energy. Day 3: Chandraghanta The third day is dedicated to Goddess Chandraghanta, the symbolic representation of beauty and bravery. The color of the day is yellow, which signifies beauty and bravery. Day 4: Kushmanda Goddess Kushmanda is worshipped on the fourth day. She is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile. The color of the day is green, which signifies endowment and fertility. Day 5: Skandamata The fifth day is dedicated to Goddess Skandamata, the mother of the chief warrior of the Gods army, Skanda. The color of the day is grey, which signifies the transforming strength of a mother when her child is confronted with danger. Day 6: Katyayani On the sixth day, Goddess Katyayani is worshipped. She is the daughter of Sage Katyayan and has three eyes and four hands. The color of the day is orange, which signifies courage. Day 7: Kalaratri The seventh day is dedicated to Goddess Kalaratri, the fiercest form of Goddess Durga. She is dressed in white, the color of the day, which signifies peace and prayer. Day 8: Mahagauri Goddess Mahagauri is worshipped on the eighth day. She is considered to be extremely beautiful and symbolizes wisdom and knowledge. The color of the day is pink, which signifies optimism. Day 9: Siddhidatri The ninth day is dedicated to Goddess Siddhidatri, who has supernatural healing powers. The color of the day is purple, which signifies the power of intellect and peace. Each day of Navratri has its own significance and story. For instance, the story of Goddess Brahmacharini is quite inspiring. She was born as the daughter of Himalaya and performed severe penance to get Lord Shiva as her husband. She lived on fruits and bilva leaves for thousands of years and later even gave up that to live on air and endured harsh weather conditions. This severe penance won her the name 'Brahmacharini' by all the devtas and Gods. Her story is a testament to her strength, determination, and devotion. |