Day One Of Navratri - Yellow for Shailputri Devi
By A Draft Correspondent
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour, and yellow, symbolising joy and vitality, holds particular significance on the first or third day of the festival, depending on regional traditions.
The colour yellow holds a vibrant and auspicious place in Navratri, a festival that celebrates the nine forms of Goddess Durga.
It invokes the energies of Goddess Shailputri or Chandraghanta, two manifestations of Durga, representing strength, bravery, and serenity.
In Hindu mythology, yellow is often linked to blessings of prosperity and knowledge. Lord Vishnu, the protector in the holy trinity, is depicted wearing yellow robes, signifying his boundless wisdom and cosmic energy. During Navratri, devotees wear yellow to evoke similar qualities—optimism, growth, and hope.
The festival celebrates Durga’s battle against the demon Mahishasur, symbolising the victory of good over evil. As part of this battle, yellow represents the nurturing aspect of the Goddess, bringing light and positivity into her devotees' lives. It is believed that wearing yellow on specific days of Navratri enhances the vibrational energy of the season, aligning the wearer with the goddess’s protective aura.
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| Shailputri Devi |
In contemporary times, the colour yellow in Navratri goes beyond its spiritual significance, influencing fashion and lifestyle choices. Traditional saris, kurtas, and lehengas in shades of yellow—mustard, gold, lemon—are popular among devotees attending dandiya nights or visiting pandals. The vibrancy of yellow, when paired with rich embroidery or modern fusion styles, reflects how ancient traditions merge effortlessly with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
Yellow also features prominently in home décor and offerings to the goddess, with marigold flowers—another symbol of purity and devotion—playing a key role in the decoration of altars and pandals. The golden hue of marigolds represents the warmth of the Sun and the life-giving force that Navratri celebrates.
THE LEGEND OF SHAILPUTRI: Goddess Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga worshipped on the initial day of Navratri, is revered for embodying strength, purity, and stability. Her name, 'Shailputri,' literally translates to 'Daughter of the Mountain,' as she is believed to be the daughter of the King of Mountains, Himavat (or the Himalayas). In this avatar, she represents Mother Nature (Prakriti), symbolising the raw, untamed energy of the natural world.
Shailputri is the reincarnation of Goddess Sati, the first wife of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu mythology, Sati immolated herself in the fire of a sacrificial ritual, offended by the insult hurled at her husband by her father, King Daksha. In her next birth, she was reborn as Parvati, also known as Shailputri, the daughter of the Himalayas. In this form, she reunited with Shiva after performing penance to win his favour.
Riding a bull (Nandi), she carries a trident (Trishul) in her right hand and a lotus in her left. Her majestic demeanour signifies both the grounding force of Earth and the immense inner strength she possesses. Worshipping Shailputri on the first day of Navratri sets the tone for the festival, as she blesses devotees with physical strength, emotional balance, and the ability to face challenges with grace.
Globally, yellow has gained prominence in fashion, symbolising optimism, especially in the post-pandemic world, where people are drawn to colours that uplift their spirits. This mirrors how yellow in Navratri has always symbolised renewal and happiness. Designers have begun incorporating Navratri-inspired patterns into their collections, demonstrating how traditional elements continue to inspire modern creations.
With an increasing focus on sustainability, natural yellow dyes have seen a resurgence. In Navratri celebrations across cities, fashion enthusiasts are embracing eco-friendly fabrics in shades of yellow, contributing to the broader movement of ethical fashion. The yellow dye derived from turmeric, traditionally used in India for its medicinal properties, has found a place in contemporary trends, blending heritage with environmental awareness.
On social media, yellow emerges as a trending hashtag during Navratri, with influencers showcasing various ways to incorporate the colour into modern festive wardrobes. From ethnic wear to fusion styles like Indo-western jumpsuits, yellow stands out in both traditional and contemporary celebrations. Brands, too, seize the season, curating yellow-themed collections that resonate with both the festive spirit and modern aesthetics.
Yellow, thus, remains not just a festive hue, but a timeless colour that bridges the ancient with the present, the sacred with the fashionable. Its presence in Navratri signifies purity, wisdom, and hope—a light that continues to shine brightly in an ever-evolving world.
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