Archive · 11 Oct 2026
Navratri 2026 Day One: Orange Colour, Meaning and Outfit Ideas
Sharad Navratri is a nine-day festival devoted to Goddess Durga.
In 2026, it begins on October 11.
The first day honours Maa Shailputri, one of Durga’s forms.
Orange is the traditional colour for that day and is linked with energy, warmth and positivity.
Some people wear orange to mark the occasion, but nobody has to.
People can choose clothes that feel comfortable or include just a small orange accessory.
The articles suggest outfits such as sarees, Anarkalis, lehengas and kurtas.
Navratri ends on October 19, and Vijayadashami follows on October 20.
Sharad Navratri begins Sunday, October 11, 2026, and Day 1 is dedicated to Maa Shailputri.
Orange is the traditional colour for the first day, associated with energy, enthusiasm, warmth and positivity.
The nine-day observance concludes October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
Wearing orange is a customary way to join the celebration, but it is optional and not a requirement for devotion.
Suggested outfits include orange sarees, Anarkalis, lehengas and kurtas, with Bollywood-inspired looks from Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Rasha Thadani, Shilpa Shetty and Triptii Dimri.
- Who
- Devotees celebrating Sharad Navratri; Day 1 honours Maa Shailputri.
- What
- The first day’s traditional colour is orange, with articles explaining its symbolism and offering outfit ideas.
- When
- Sunday, October 11, 2026; the nine-day observance concludes October 19, followed by Vijayadashami on October 20.
- Where
- Families and temples observe the festival; the articles also mention pujas, pandals, Garba and Dandiya celebrations.
- Why
- Orange is customarily associated with Day 1 and symbolizes energy, enthusiasm, warmth and positivity.
Traditional colour observance
Personal choice and comfort
Whether to wear orange
Traditional colour observance
Wearing the designated orange colour is a popular tradition and a way for devotees to participate in the festival.
Personal choice and comfort
The colour custom is not compulsory; devotion does not depend on wearing orange, and people can choose clothing according to comfort and personal or family preferences.
- Festival
- Sharad Navratri 2026
- Day 1 date
- Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Day 1 goddess
- Maa Shailputri, the first form of Goddess Durga worshipped during Navratri
- Day 1 colour
- Orange
- Orange symbolism
- Energy, enthusiasm, warmth, vitality and positivity
- Colour custom
- Wearing orange is optional; devotees may follow their faith, comfort and family customs.
- Festival dates
- Navratri concludes October 19; Vijayadashami is October 20, 2026.
- Outfit ideas
- Orange sarees, Anarkalis, lehengas, salwar suits, kurtas and orange accessories
