Navratri (October 12–20, 2026) worships Navadurga — the nine forms of Goddess Durga. Each day honours a different form with its own mantra, offering, and colour. This guide walks NRI families through the daily worship.

Day 1 — Shailaputri (Monday, Oct 12)

Form: Daughter of the Mountain, rides a bull.

Colour: Red / Grey

Mantra: Om Devi Shailaputryai Namah

Offering: Ghee-based sweets, cow's ghee for good health.

Advertisement

Day 2 — Brahmacharini (Tuesday, Oct 13)

Form: Goddess of devotion + penance.

Colour: Yellow / Blue

Mantra: Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah

Offering: Sugar + fruits.

Day 3 — Chandraghanta (Wednesday, Oct 14)

Form: Wears crescent moon on her forehead.

Colour: Green / Royal Blue

Mantra: Om Devi Chandraghantayai Namah

Offering: Milk + rice kheer.

Day 4 — Kushmanda (Thursday, Oct 15)

Form: Creator of the universe.

Colour: Grey / Yellow

Advertisement

Mantra: Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah

Offering: Malpua or pumpkin-based sweets.

Day 5 — Skandamata (Friday, Oct 16)

Form: Mother of Skanda (Kartikeya).

Colour: Orange / Green

Mantra: Om Devi Skandamatayai Namah

Offering: Bananas.

Day 6 — Katyayani (Saturday, Oct 17)

Form: Warrior goddess.

Colour: White / Grey

Mantra: Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah

Offering: Honey.

Day 7 — Kalaratri (Sunday, Oct 18)

Form: Destroyer of demons + darkness.

Colour: Red / Orange

Mantra: Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah

Offering: Jaggery.

Day 8 — Maha Gauri (Monday, Oct 19 — Ashtami)

Form: Peaceful, radiant goddess.

Advertisement

Colour: Blue / Pink

Mantra: Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah

Offering: Coconut. Traditionally, Kanya Puja is performed — worshipping 9 young girls as forms of Durga.

Day 9 — Siddhidatri (Tuesday, Oct 20 — Navami)

Form: Giver of supernatural powers + wisdom.

Colour: Peacock Green / Sky Blue

Mantra: Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah

Offering: Sesame seeds + halwa-puri as concluding bhog.

General Mantras for All 9 Days

  • Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu, Shanti Rupena Samsthita — the Divine Mother as the peaceful form in all beings
  • Om Sarva Mangala Mangalye — invocation of auspicious grace
  • Sri Durga Chalisa — 40 verses in praise of Durga

The Colour Code Tradition

Each day's colour is worn (in clothing or offerings) to attune with that form's energy. Not obligatory but adds to the spiritual atmosphere. Popular in Gujarati + Marathi + Bengali households.

A Simple NRI Daily Schedule

  • Morning: Fresh flowers + light diya + chant day's mantra (108 times ideal, 21 times minimum)
  • Midday: Naivedyam (the day's offering) + brief aarti
  • Evening: Family aarti + Durga Chalisa + brief kids' storytelling

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the nine forms of Navadurga?

The nine forms are Shailaputri (Day 1), Brahmacharini (Day 2), Chandraghanta (Day 3), Kushmanda (Day 4), Skandamata (Day 5), Katyayani (Day 6), Kalaratri (Day 7), Mahagauri (Day 8), and Siddhidatri (Day 9).

Which colour to wear each day of Navratri 2026?

Day 1: Yellow, Day 2: Green, Day 3: Grey, Day 4: Orange, Day 5: White, Day 6: Red, Day 7: Royal Blue, Day 8: Pink, Day 9: Purple. Colours vary slightly by regional tradition.

What is the daily prasad for each Navadurga form?

Shailaputri: Ghee. Brahmacharini: Sugar. Chandraghanta: Kheer. Kushmanda: Malpua. Skandamata: Banana. Katyayani: Honey. Kalaratri: Jaggery. Mahagauri: Coconut. Siddhidatri: Sesame seeds.

What mantra to chant for each day of Navratri?

Universal mantra: Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamundaye Vichhe. Each day, chant the specific Navadurga form's dhyana mantra 108 times using a rudraksha or lotus-seed mala.

What is Kanya Puja on Ashtami/Navami?

On Ashtami or Navami, families invite 9 pre-pubescent girls (representing Navadurga) home. Feet are washed, feet-tilak applied, halwa-puri-chana served, and gift/dakshina offered as symbolic worship of the goddesses.

Jai Mata Di! Jai Maa Durga!

May Goddess Durga bless every NRI home with strength, victory over obstacles, and prosperity.

Fresh from NRI Globe