2026 date note: Standard 2026 Shardiya Navratri calendars list Day 1 on October 11, Maha Navami on October 19 and Vijayadashami on October 20. Tithi-sensitive clock times vary by location, so check a local panchang for exact muhurat times in your city. Reference calendar.
2026 Navratri colors
| Day | Date | Goddess | Popular 2026 color |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | October 11, 2026 | Shailaputri | Orange |
| Day 2 | October 12, 2026 | Brahmacharini | White |
| Day 3 | October 13, 2026 | Chandraghanta | Red |
| Day 4 | October 14, 2026 | Kushmanda | Royal Blue |
| Day 5 | October 15, 2026 | Skandamata | Yellow |
| Day 6 | October 16, 2026 | Katyayani | Green |
| Day 7 | October 17, 2026 | Kalaratri | Grey |
| Day 8 | October 18, 2026 | Mahagauri | Purple |
| Day 9 | October 19, 2026 | Siddhidatri | Peacock Green |
How the annual color custom works
The popular nine-color sequence is especially visible in Maharashtra and Gujarat and changes from year to year. It is a festive convention associated with the weekday on which Navratri begins and a traditional color cycle. It should not be confused with a rule that every devotee must follow or with a fixed intrinsic “color” for each Goddess form.
Practical wardrobe planning
- Use dupattas, scarves, stoles or jewelry to follow the color without buying nine new outfits.
- Repeat neutral basics and rotate the daily accent color.
- Prioritize breathable fabrics and secure draping for Garba nights.
- For schools or workplaces, use small accessories when a full traditional outfit is impractical.