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

On the sixth day of Navratri, that is, October 8, 2024, red holds tremendous importance as people worship Goddess Katyayani. This bright and beautiful colour is deeply symbolic and carries a host of significance associated with the festival.

Significance of Red on 6th Day of Navratri

• Symbolism: Red is passion, love and strength. It personifies the fiery force Goddess Katyayani, who represents empowerment and protection against evil forces.
• Cultural Significance: It is believed that on this day wearing red will invoke divine blessings and will add to the festive spirit. Such tradition is very much in practice in states like Gujarat and Maharashtra, where the participants for such celebrations as Dandiya and Garba wear clothes of colours assigned for the day.
• Rituals and Oblations: The colour red is further echoed in the oblations to the goddess in the form of red flowers and fruits. Red chunris or scarves are also integral parts of the worship, depicting commitment and respect.
• It is associated with the vibrancy of red. The people will feel energetic and more confident with it and urge them to participate in the celebrations actively.

Maa Katyayani is the goddess of the sixth day of Navratri and holds an important place in Hindu mythology as a forceful form of Goddess Durga. Her significance lies deeply rooted in various legends and teachings.

Origin and Mythology

Maa Katyayani is said to have been born to Sage Katyayana when he performed severe penance to have a daughter. Katyayani was devised in the divine plan to ensure that a powerful demon Mahishasura, who was threatening heaven and earth alike, be conquered. Mahishasura had won a boon from Lord Brahma because of which he became invincible to every man or beast but it was well-conceived that this demon was sure to get defeated by a woman. To counter this threat, the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva combined their energies to bring Maa Katyayani into the world as a martial goddess.

Her fierce battle with Mahishasura made sure balance and dharma returned to the universe, where good overcomes evil. This narrative focuses on her role as a protector and symbol of strength.

Maa Katyayani is depicted with three eyes and four arms:

• Left Hands: One holds a sword (that of power), and the other holds a lotus flower (giving purity).
• Right Hands: One is in the Abhaya Mudra (providing protection), while the other rests in the Varada Mudra (bestowal of benefits).
• She sits on a lion, an emblem that tells us about her fearlessness and savagery in war.

Maa Katyayani embodies the essence of strength and protection in Hindu mythology. Her fierce battle against evil reinforces the triumph of good over evil. As devotees don red, they connect with her vibrant energy, fostering a sense of community and celebration during Navratri, honouring the divine feminine spirit.