While we, Indians, specifically those in North India, are celebrating Navratri, I would like to talk about the color symbolism associated with this beautiful festival. I have always encountered many instances where people are inclined towards specific colors, or perhaps certain colors have more dominance over others during auspicious occasions. I was curious to know the reason behind the revelation of these colors during festivals because people often fail to recognize the significance of all the wonderful colors around us.
We do offer prayers to deities (goddesses/gods) that symbolize various emotions such as strength, courage, love, affection, care, power, and peace. But do we know that these emotions attribute to different colors? Why do we have so many shades or colors around us when we feel that only a few of them are important? We often associate red as the symbol of love and belongingness, which is true, but have we ever thought that red also signifies strength, anger, power, and strong emotions? Not only red, but vibrant colors like orange and yellow also have emotive attributes. Even the colors we do not praise for auspicious days have immense meaningful qualities that are worthy of acknowledgment.
Today, as I was praying and decorating my little mandir with flowers for Navratri, I realized the significance of wearing different colors for each day of the festival. For instance, today is Sashti, so green is the color of the day, associated with Goddess Katyayani. It represents balance, harmony, and progress in life. I was amazed to learn the reason behind wearing green on Sashti. It's fascinating that nature itself teaches us how to balance life, and it does so through colors.
So, I became curious to know more about other colors as well, and here's what I found! Blue, grey, purple, white, and peacock green—colors we often overlook as auspicious—are actually deeply meaningful and are favorite colors and attributes of the goddesses we worship. Blue is the favorite color of Khushmunda goddess, representing wealth and fortune. Grey is the favorite color of Kalaratri goddess, symbolizing knowledge, strength, and resilience. Purple is the favorite color of Mahagauri Goddess, representing purity, peace, and divinity.
Why are we hesitant to wear purple, blue, grey, or any other colors when all these colors are favored by 9 forms of Goddess Durga? I believe, just as we celebrate Gods/Goddesses and their powers, we must contemplate the reasons behind these celebrations. It's not just about a simple color; it's the meaning embodied within it.
Happy Navratri!
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