Significance of Orange on the Fourth Day of Navratri 2024

Navratri, the vibrant Hindu festival, is currently being celebrated across India, with each day dedicated to a different form of Goddess Durga. On the fourth day of the festival, devotees honor Maa Kushmanda, a revered form of the goddess associated with the creation and sustenance of the universe. The color representative of this particular day is orange, symbolizing life, enthusiasm, and positivity.

According to Hindu mythology, Maa Kushmanda is believed to have created the universe with her divine smile, bringing light into an otherwise dark cosmos. She is often depicted with eight hands, holding significant items such as a chakra, a lotus flower, and a japa mala among others. Her role in Hindu lore underscores her as a source of warmth and solar energy, paralleling the vivacity and vitality that orange represents.

Devotees on this auspicious day of Navratri wear orange to honor the goddess, seeking her blessings for health, vitality, and positivity. The rituals performed are imbued with devotion and are meant to invoke her nurturing power. As devotees gather, they engage in specific puja rituals, offering items like red flowers, Panchmeva (five dry fruits), and Naivedya (sacred food) to Maa Kushmanda, along with reciting her mantra, “Ain Hree Devayi Namah.”

Navratri is not only a time of spiritual reflection but also a period of community bonding. Festivities include donning new clothes, preparing traditional dishes, and adorning homes, all acts that welcome the divine into one’s life. These celebrations, while bright and joyful, also emphasize the cultural and communal ties, reinforcing the festival’s importance beyond religious practice.

Timing is crucial in observing the rituals correctly. According to Drik Panchang, specific muhurats or auspicious times are recommended for performing these rituals to maximize their spiritual benefits. For Day 4 of Navratri, these timings include Brahma Muhurat from 4:39 AM to 5:28 AM, Abhijit Muhurat from 11:45 AM to 12:32 PM, among others.