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.
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
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.
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
Related Dussehra 2026 Coverage
- Complete Dussehra 2026 NRI Diaspora Guide
- Dussehra Navratri 2026 in New Jersey + NYC — Garba Events
- Dussehra 2026 in London + Leicester UK
- Dussehra 2026 in Toronto Canada
- Dussehra + Navratri Prasad — 9-Day Fasting Food Guide
- Ravana Dahan Safe Home Celebration for NRIs
- Navratri Garba + Dandiya Guide for NRIs Abroad
Jai Mata Di! Jai Maa Durga!
May Goddess Durga bless every NRI home with strength, victory over obstacles, and prosperity.