Times of India maps Navratri 2026 nine colours from orange energy to peacock green renewal

Nine days, nine colours

Navratri is presented not only as nine nights of worship and Garba dance but as a festival celebrated in nine colours, each with its own meaning and importance. The Times of India guide notes the palette ranges from bright red and cheerful yellow to cooling blue and peaceful white, with colour symbolism adding spice to everyday life and making the festival colourful.

Orange

Described as an outstanding colour filled with energy, orange is linked to courage, excitement and passion. The guide says it brings enthusiasm and gives one the courage to take risks. It has become the colour of spirituality, creativity and transformation. Wearing orange during Navratri celebrations is said to bring positive energy and a desire to live life to the fullest.

White

White symbolises purity, peace and truth and embodies simplicity and spiritual purity. It is a calming colour said to provide peace of mind, mirroring innocence as well as truth and philosophical pursuit. It conveys innocence and sincerity, signifies hope and new chances, and brings peace and tranquillity.

Red

Red symbolises power, love and action, representing passion, bravery and power. The strong colour stimulates the desire to reach goals and is associated with devotion and the divine feminine energy, Shakti. Putting on red clothes during Navratri is said to bring boldness, energy and a courageous spirit.

Royal blue

Royal blue is noted for its rich appearance and greatness. It signifies wisdom, stability and divine grace, promoting calmness and trust and directing the mind to clarity. It is also linked with devotion and the sublime infinity of the universe. When worn at Navratri it creates a sense of calmness along with strength and spirituality.

Yellow

The colour yellow stands for the sun, light and wisdom. It is full of energy, positivity and hope. Starting the Navratri festival with yellow marks the beginning of something new and positive. It is a helpful colour for making the mind clear and providing zest for discovering new ideas.

Green

Green is the colour of nature, fertility and harmony. It represents renewal, growth and balance. Wearing green during Navratri channels the energy of creation and nurtures inner peace, reminding people to remain grounded while making progress patiently.

Grey

While commonly thought gloomy, grey has symbolic value in spirituality. It enjoys a neutral reputation and stands for the balance between light and dark, joy and grief. It serves to educate about the importance of a peaceful approach to life.

Purple

Regal, eye-catching and full of symbolism, purple introduces splendour to day 8 of Navratri. On this day devotees celebrate Maha Ashtami and worship Goddess Mahagauri. Purple brings spirituality and festival style together, as it is associated with luxury, wisdom, aspiration and spiritual depth.

Peacock green

Peacock green is vibrant, refreshing and contains a mixture of the tranquillity of blue and the dynamism of green. It is associated with renewal, harmony and prosperity, encouraging harmony with nature and stimulating creativity. Wearing peacock green during Navratri evokes an impression of development, inspiration and emotional equilibrium.

The guide frames the nine-colour sequence as a practical reference for Navratri costume planning and for understanding how colours are used in the festival.