Overview:
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday 11 October and the ninth day falls on Monday 19 October, with Vijayadashami on 20 October. Many guides list one colour for each day: orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green. This guide gives the date, the weekday, the goddess and the usual meaning for each colour. It also explains that the colour list is a custom and not a rule, shows where sources differ, and offers clear tips for outfits, home decor and safe, colour fast dressing during the festival days. It also links to our dates and muhurat guides.
This guide explains Navratri 2026 colours in simple words. Also, Open social media in the first week of October, and you will see one question again and again. Also, What colour should I wear on each day of Navratri? In addition, many families, offices and friend groups now plan a colour for every day.
This guide gives a clear, simple answer. In particular, First, we list the nine colours with their dates for 2026. Moreover, Next, we explain the goddess of each day and what each colour is said to mean. In addition, Then we cover outfit and decor tips. Colours are a custom, not a strict rule, and sources differ, so we also tell you how to choose with confidence.
9
days of Navratri in 2026
11 Oct
the first day, a Sunday
19 Oct
the ninth day, a Monday
20 Oct
Vijayadashami, the day after
Navratri 2026 Colours at a Glance
Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October. Furthermore, Reports from Bihar say it ends with Vijayadashami on 20 October. So the nine days of worship run from 11 to 19 October.
Many guides then give one colour for each day. Furthermore, Here is the list that most of them share. Additionally, read our Navratri 2026 dates guide for the full calendar of the festival.
| Day | Date | Weekday | Colour | Goddess |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 October | Sunday | Orange | Shailaputri |
| 2 | 12 October | Monday | White | Brahmacharini |
| 3 | 13 October | Tuesday | Red | Chandraghanta |
| 4 | 14 October | Wednesday | Royal blue | Kushmanda |
| 5 | 15 October | Thursday | Yellow | Skandamata |
| 6 | 16 October | Friday | Green | Katyayani |
| 7 | 17 October | Saturday | Grey | Kalaratri |
| 8 | 18 October | Sunday | Purple | Mahagauri |
| 9 | 19 October | Monday | Peacock green | Siddhidatri |
Navratri 2026 colours: Why Do People Wear Colours on Navratri?
Navratri means nine nights. Moreover, each night is linked to one form of the goddess Durga. Besides, Over time, many families began to pick one colour for each day. It makes the festival feel bright and shared.
However, the colours are not a rule of worship. In fact, Temples do not ask you to wear them. Sources also differ on which colour goes with which day, and some lists change from year to year. So treat the list as a friendly custom, and follow your family practice if it is different.
A colour is a way to join the festival mood. It is not a test of devotion.
A simple way to think about Navratri colours
Navratri 2026 colours: Day-by-Day Guide to the Nine Colours
Each section below gives the date, the goddess and the usual meaning. Furthermore, the meanings are common beliefs, as described in popular guides.
Day 1: Orange, 11 October
Day one honours Shailaputri, the form of Durga linked to the start of the festival. Of course, Orange stands for energy, courage and a fresh start. It is also the day for Kalash Sthapana at home. Additionally, read our Kalash Sthapana muhurat guide for the timings and steps.
Day 2: White, 12 October
Day two honours Brahmacharini. In particular, White stands for peace and purity. Additionally, many people choose simple cotton clothes for this day.
Day 3: Red, 13 October
Day three honours Chandraghanta. Also, Red stands for strength and passion. It is also a common colour in Bihar for worship and weddings.
Day 4: Royal Blue, 14 October
Day four honours Kushmanda. Also, Royal blue stands for calm and trust. In addition, it is a good choice for office wear on a busy Wednesday.
Day 5: Yellow, 15 October
Day five honours Skandamata. Besides, Yellow stands for joy and hope. Moreover, it looks bright in daylight and in photographs.
Day 6: Green, 16 October
Day six honours Katyayani. Besides, Green stands for growth and harmony. In Bihar, this is also Shashthi, when many Durga Puja pandals open. Furthermore, read our Durga Puja 2026 dates guide for the Bihar calendar.
Day 7: Grey, 17 October
Day seven honours Kalaratri. In fact, Grey stands for balance and restraint. Some people see it as a quiet colour, so pair it with a bright scarf.
Day 8: Purple, 18 October
Day eight honours Mahagauri. It is also Ashtami, a major day of the festival. Additionally, Purple stands for ambition and dignity. Many families hold Kanya Pujan around this day.
Day 9: Peacock Green, 19 October
Day nine honours Siddhidatri. It is also Navami. Besides, Peacock green stands for a unique and caring spirit. Of course, the next day, 20 October, is Vijayadashami.
Navratri 2026 colours: Where Sources Differ
You may find another list online. That is normal. In fact, Here is why.
- Some guides link colours to the weekday, so the list changes each year.
- Some regions follow their own temple or family customs.
- A few sellers publish lists to match their products.
- Day counts can shift when a tithi, or lunar day, starts or ends at an odd time.
So we say “most guides”. In fact, If your family follows a different list, use that one. Also, check the dates with your family priest or a local panchang.
Navratri 2026 colours: Navratri and Durga Puja in Bihar
In Bihar, the nine days of Navratri overlap with Durga Puja. In general, many homes keep the Kalash and read the scriptures from day one. Meanwhile, community pandals open around Shashthi, and the biggest crowds come on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. So the colour of the day may also guide what your family wears when you visit a pandal at night.
Because evening crowds can be large, choose light, comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. In addition, avoid long, loose cloth near candles and diyas. In particular, carry a small bag, a bottle of water and a phone with a charged battery.
Navratri 2026 colours: Quick Colour Meaning Chart
| Colour | Common meaning |
|---|---|
| Orange | Energy and courage |
| White | Peace and purity |
| Red | Strength and passion |
| Royal blue | Calm and trust |
| Yellow | Joy and hope |
| Green | Growth and harmony |
| Grey | Balance and restraint |
| Purple | Ambition and dignity |
| Peacock green | Uniqueness and care |
Navratri 2026 colours: Outfit Ideas for Each Day
You do not need to buy nine new outfits. Of course, try these simple ideas.
- Wear one clothing item in the day’s colour, such as a scarf, dupatta, tie or kurta.
- Mix plain and printed pieces, so you can reuse them.
- Use a colour matching bindi, bangles or a pocket square.
- Swap items with friends or family, since one set can serve many people.
- Keep one neutral outfit for days when the weather turns wet.
For Women
A saree, salwar suit or kurta in the day’s colour looks festive. In addition, Our lac bangles guide explains how to choose Lahthi bangles that match the colour of the day.
For Men and Students
A kurta, shirt or tie in the day’s colour is enough. School and college groups can choose a colour badge or ribbon, so nobody has to buy new clothes.
Navratri 2026 colours: Tips for Safe, Colour Fast Dressing
New dyed cloth can bleed colour in sweat or rain. In particular, follow these tips.
- Wash new dark or bright clothes once before you wear them.
- Wash them alone, since the colour may run.
- Test a small damp corner on a white cloth.
- Avoid wearing a new bright garment in heavy rain.
- Keep a spare set in the bag for long pandal visits.
Navratri 2026 colours: Decor Ideas in the Day’s Colour
- Place fresh flowers in the colour of the day near the puja corner.
- Use a coloured cloth under the diya and the kalash.
- Tie a ribbon or a rangoli border in the same shade.
- Choose a coloured diya or candle, and place it away from curtains.
- Keep the puja area clean, dry and well lit.
Do not leave a lamp unattended, and keep matches away from children.
Navratri 2026 colours: Colours and Fasting
Many people fast during Navratri. Also, Colours do not change the fast. Also, Eat only the food your family follows, and keep water and fruit handy. If you have a health condition or you are pregnant, talk to your doctor before a long fast. Of course, Never feel pressure to skip meals.
Navratri 2026 colours: Planning Your Navratri Week
A little planning helps.
| Task | When |
|---|---|
| Pick outfits for nine days | Before 11 October |
| Check the Kalash Sthapana timing | By 10 October |
| Plan pandal visits with family | 16 to 20 October |
| Book trains for travel | As early as possible |
| Check local holiday notices | Before Ashtami |
Read our Durga Puja holidays guide before you plan leave. Also, read our pandal visit and safety guide before you go out at night. In addition, If you travel for the festival, read our guide to Muzaffarpur Junction and the post on the festival special train.
Key Takeaways
- Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday 11 October, and the ninth day is Monday 19 October.
- Vijayadashami falls on 20 October.
- Most guides list this order: orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple, peacock green.
- Colours are a custom and not a rule, and sources can differ.
- Wash new bright clothes first, and keep a spare outfit for wet days.
- Follow your family and temple practice if it differs from a popular list.
Did You Know?
Which goddess is worshipped on the first day?
On the first day, many families worship Shailaputri, the form of Durga linked to the start of Navratri. On the same day, they perform Kalash Sthapana at home, which marks the formal beginning of the nine days of worship.
Conclusion
Navratri colours turn nine days of worship into a shared celebration. In addition, use the list for 11 to 19 October as a guide, enjoy the colour of the day, and remember that devotion matters more than the shade you wear. Moreover, If your family follows a different list, use that one with pride. Check dates with your priest or a local panchang, and plan your clothes and travel early. Bookmark this guide and share it with friends before the first day.
FAQs
What is the colour for the first day of Navratri 2026?
Most guides list orange for the first day, which is Sunday 11 October 2026. Furthermore, Orange stands for energy and courage. The same day is linked to the goddess Shailaputri and to Kalash Sthapana, when families begin the nine days of worship at home.
What are the nine colours of Navratri 2026?
The common list is orange, white, red, royal blue, yellow, green, grey, purple and peacock green, from 11 to 19 October. Moreover, Sources differ, and some link colours to the weekday. Additionally, follow your family or temple custom if it is different from this list.
Is it compulsory to wear Navratri colours?
No. In particular, the colours are a custom, not a rule of worship. Besides, Temples do not require them. Furthermore, you can wear any clean, modest clothes. Many people enjoy the colours as a way to join the festive mood, but devotion does not depend on the shade you wear.
On which date is Ashtami in 2026?
Ashtami falls on Sunday, 18 October 2026, and Navami follows on Monday, 19 October, as reported by Bihar sources. In fact, Vijayadashami, or Dussehra, is on 20 October. Moreover, check a local panchang or your family priest for exact tithi timings in your area.
Can I wear the same colour on two days?
Yes, if you wish. The list is a custom, so nobody checks your clothes. You can also wear a small item, such as a scarf or a bangle, in the day’s colour and keep the rest of the outfit neutral. In general, Comfort and modesty matter most.
