6th Day of Navratri 2024: Today’s Colour, Maa Katyayani Story and Significance in October Navratri

On the sixth day of Navratri, which falls on October 8, 2024, the color red holds great significance as people worship Goddess Katyani. This bright and beautiful color is deeply symbolic and carries many meanings associated with the holiday.

The meaning of red on the sixth day of Navratri

  • Symbolism: Red represents passion, love and strength. It represents Katyayani, the goddess of fiery power, representing empowerment and protection against evil forces.
  • Cultural significance: People believe that wearing red clothes on this day will pray for God’s blessing and add to the festive atmosphere. This tradition is widely practiced in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, with participants in celebrations such as Dandiya and Garba wearing the designated colors of the day.
  • Ritual and Sacrifice: The color red is further echoed in the form of red flowers and fruits in sacrifices to the goddess. Red chunris or scarves are also an integral part of worship, depicting commitment and respect.
  • It is associated with the vibrancy of red. People will feel energetic, confident and actively participate in the celebrations.

Maa Katyayani is the goddess of the sixth day of Navratri and plays an important role in Hindu mythology as the powerful form of Goddess Durga. Her meaning is deeply rooted in various legends and teachings.

Origins and Myths

It is said that Maa Katyayani was the daughter of sage Katyayana after her penance. Katyayani was designed in the divine plan to ensure the conquest of the powerful demon Mahishasura who threatened the heaven and earth. Mahishasura was blessed by Lord Brahma so that he was invincible to any man or beast, but it was carefully planned that this demon would definitely be defeated by a woman. In response to this threat, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their energies and brought Maa Katyayani into the world as a military goddess.

Her fierce battle with Mahishasura ensured the return of balance and dharma to the universe, where good triumphed over evil. The narrative focuses on her role as protector and symbol of strength.

Maa Katyayani is depicted with three eyes and four arms:

  • Left hand: holding a sword (power) in one hand and a lotus (giving purity) in the other.
  • Right hand: One holds the fearless mudra (confers protection) and the other holds Varada mudra (confers benefit).
  • She rides on a lion, a symbol that tells us of her fearlessness and savagery in war.

Maa Katyayani embodies the essence of power and protection from Hindu mythology. Her fierce struggle against evil reinforces the victory of good over evil. When devotees wear red, they connect with her vibrant energy, fostering a sense of community and celebration during Navratri that pays homage to the divine feminine spirit.