What are the nine Navratri colours for 2026?

The Navratri 2026 nine-day colour schedule (Shardiya Navratri, 22 September to 1 October 2026): Day 1 (22 Sep) — Yellow/Orange; Day 2 (23 Sep) — Green; Day 3 (24 Sep) — Grey; Day 4 (25 Sep) — Orange; Day 5 (26 Sep) — White; Day 6 (27 Sep) — Red; Day 7 (28 Sep) — Royal Blue; Day 8 (29 Sep) — Pink; Day 9 (30 Sep) — Purple/Violet; Day 10 (1 Oct) — Peacock Green/Multicolour (Vijayadashami/Dussehra). Note that the colour schedule varies slightly between traditions — the above follows the widely published 2026 Navratri colour calendar.

Is gold jewellery appropriate for all nine days of Navratri?

Yes. Gold jewellery is auspicious for all nine days of Navratri — Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) is worshipped on Day 8 and her association with gold makes it perpetually appropriate. The colour co-ordination tradition refers to the colour of clothing, saree, dupatta or blouse — gold jewellery complements virtually every colour. On white-day (Day 5), pearl or kundan jewellery is traditionally paired with gold. On red-day (Day 6, Katyayani), ruby-red stone jewellery in gold settings is the traditional choice.

What is the difference between Navratri jewellery in Gujarat vs North India?

Gujarat's Navratri (Garba season) and North India's Navratri have distinct jewellery traditions. Gujarat Garba jewellery: oxidised silver or antique-finish gold, heavy Ghagra-choli style, Chandbali earrings, Hasli necklace, multilayered Navratri bangles (churis in festive colours), Kamarband (waist belt) for Garba dancing, and Payal/Ghungroo anklets. The jewellery must be comfortable enough for hours of Garba dancing. North Indian Navratri: similar to wedding jewellery for the ashtami puja — Maang tikka, jhumkas, Kundan necklace, and heavier bangles for the ceremonial day. Day-to-day North Indian Navratri may be simpler — matching a piece to each day's colour is the primary concern.

What jewellery should I wear for Ashtami and Navami (Day 8 and 9) of Navratri?

Ashtami (Day 8) and Navami (Day 9) are the most auspicious days of Navratri — the Kanya Puja (worshipping young girls as forms of the Goddess) is performed and the most elaborate prayers are offered. These are the days when heavier, more ceremonial jewellery is traditionally worn: full necklace sets (choker + long necklace), large jhumka earrings, maang tikka, bangles including gold, and payal. The Devi worshipped on Ashtami is Mahagauri (associated with white and purity) and Siddhidatri on Navami (violet/purple). Pearl and white stone jewellery for Mahagauri, and amethyst-coloured or purple stone jewellery for Siddhidatri, reflect the traditional colour associations.

Navratri Jewellery Guide 2026: Nine Colours, Nine Days, Traditional Pieces

Navratri is not just India's most widely celebrated festival — it is one of its most jewellery-conscious. The nine-day festival in honour of Devi (the divine feminine) has a deep tradition of colour-coded dressing, with each day assigned a colour associated with a form of the Goddess. For millions of Indian women, choosing jewellery that complements the day's colour is as central to the Navratri experience as the puja itself. This guide covers Navratri 2026 specifically — dates, the nine-day colour schedule, traditional pieces by Devi form, and how to plan your festival jewellery.

Navratri 2026 dates and colour calendar

Shardiya Navratri 2026 begins on 22 September and concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra) on 1 October 2026.

Day	Date	Devi Form	Colour	Jewellery Accent
1	22 Sep	Shailaputri	Yellow / Orange	Topaz, citrine, yellow sapphire accent pieces
2	23 Sep	Brahmacharini	Green	Emerald, green tourmaline, jade accents
3	24 Sep	Chandraghanta	Grey	Oxidised silver, grey moonstone, labradorite
4	25 Sep	Kushmanda	Orange	Coral, carnelian, orange sapphire accents
5	26 Sep	Skandamata	White	Pearl, white kundan, moonstone
6	27 Sep	Katyayani	Red	Ruby, red coral, garnet, red Meenakari
7	28 Sep	Kalaratri	Royal Blue	Blue sapphire, lapis lazuli, blue topaz
8	29 Sep	Mahagauri	Pink	Rose quartz, pink tourmaline, pearl with pink tones
9	30 Sep	Siddhidatri	Purple	Amethyst, purple jade, violet sapphire
10	1 Oct	Vijayadashami	Peacock Green / Multi	Full festive set — any auspicious colours

Note: colour schedules vary between published sources and regional traditions. The above follows the most widely circulated 2026 Navratri colour calendar for North India.

Traditional jewellery by Devi form

Shailaputri (Day 1): Mountain-born Goddess

Shailaputri is associated with the earth and mountains — her traditional colour is yellow, connected to turmeric and auspicious beginnings. Gold itself is the earth metal par excellence. Day 1 is traditionally when new gold jewellery purchases are made (if not on Akshaya Tritiya). A new gold piece — even a small pendant or pair of earrings — worn for the first time on Day 1 is considered auspicious.

Brahmacharini (Day 2): The Ascetic

Green is associated with nature, growth and new beginnings. Green-stone accent pieces in gold — emerald studs, green tourmaline drops, jade-inlaid pendants — are the traditional jewellery accent. Meenakari (enamel) jewellery with green Meenakari work on gold is particularly appropriate for this day.

Chandraghanta (Day 3): The Moon-Belled

Grey and silver tones on Day 3 make oxidised silver jewellery the natural choice — and this is one of the few days where silver takes precedence over gold in the colour coordination. Grey moonstone or labradorite set in silver are beautiful Day 3 options. For those who prefer gold, a grey-toned piece (white gold or grey enamel) works.

Skandamata (Day 5): White / Purity

The white day is the occasion for pearl jewellery in India — pearl necklaces, pearl earrings, pearl maang tikka. Pearls have been associated with purity and Devi worship across Indian traditions. Kundan jewellery with large white Kundan stones (clear glass or white quartz) in gold foil settings is the classical traditional option. Pearl and gold combinations are quintessentially Indian and look particularly beautiful with white and cream sarees.

Katyayani (Day 6): Red / The Warrior

Day 6 is the most jewellery-elaborate day for many traditions. Red is the auspicious colour for married women and for Devi in her warrior form. Corals, rubies, garnets, and red Meenakari gold jewellery are all appropriate. This is the day for elaborate red-toned sets — a Meenakari choker with ruby or red stone accents, or South Indian temple jewellery with coral settings.

Regional Navratri jewellery traditions

Gujarat (Garba)

Gujarat's Garba tradition during Navratri requires jewellery that can withstand hours of energetic circular dancing. Key pieces:

Kamarband (waist belt): Worn for Garba — keeps the energy of the dance visible and adds percussion-like movement.
Ghungroo payal: Anklets with small bells that add sound to the footwork of Garba.
Chandbali earrings: Crescent-moon shaped drops that sway with movement — a Garba classic.
Hasli (collar necklace): Sits close to the neck, doesn't bounce during dancing.
Oxidised silver: More common than pure gold for Garba jewellery because it is lighter and its antique finish suits traditional Gujarati aesthetics.

North India (Durga Puja / Navratri puja)

North Indian Navratri focuses on the daily puja and the elaborate Ashtami/Navami observances. Jewellery is complete-shringar on the ceremonial days. The nine-colour clothing coordination is observed daily, with jewellery accented to match. Traditional North Indian pieces — Kundan, Polki, Meenakari — are particularly appropriate for the festival context.

West Bengal (Durga Puja)

Bengal's Durga Puja overlaps with Navratri (Shashthi through Navami). Bengali Durga Puja jewellery is traditionally gold — the Goddess is adorned with gold ornaments in the idol, and devotees dress accordingly. Shakha-Pola and gold jewellery are worn by married women for the puja on all four days. See our Shakha-Pola guide for the tradition behind these marriage bangles.

Shopping smart for Navratri 2026

Navratri falls in the Navratri-Diwali window (22 September–20 October 2026) — the most concentrated jewellery shopping season in India. Making charge promotions from major chains start from early September. For gold purchases planned for Navratri, shop in late August or early September to beat the peak-season rush and secure making charge discounts before the festival premium hits. See our making charges negotiation guide for specific timing advice.

For verifying the purity of any gold piece purchased for Navratri, use the BIS Care app HUID check. Find BIS-registered jewellers in your city through our India-wide jeweller directory — search by state or district for local options.