Colour to Wear for Hindu Festivals, Rituals & Day Guide

Hindu Festival Attire: A Comprehensive Colour Guide

Introduction

Hinduism is a religion rich in traditions, rituals, and symbolism. Festivals are a major part of Hindu culture, celebrated with devotion, joy, and a vibrant display of colours. The selection of colour for attire during festivals is not merely about aesthetics but holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. Each colour represents specific deities, cosmic energies, and planetary influences, making it an essential aspect of festival observances.

This article explores the importance of colour in Hindu festivals, their historical relevance, and the specific hues associated with different celebrations. Understanding this guide can help devotees align with divine energies and enhance their spiritual experience.

Significance of Choosing Colour During Hindu Festivals

The choice of colour during Hindu festivals is deeply rooted in tradition and belief systems. Here’s why colour play a vital role:

1. Spiritual Connection: Different deities are associated with specific colour, and wearing these colour strengthens the connection with divine energies.

2. Symbolism: Colour symbolise different emotions, energies, and aspects of life. For example, red represents energy and prosperity, while white signifies peace and purity.

3. Astrological Influence: In Hinduism, each day of the week is associated with a planet, and wearing the colour linked to that planet is believed to bring good fortune.

4. Cultural Tradition: Following specific colour codes during festivals ensures continuity of tradition and promotes unity among devotees.

5. Healing and Energetic Impact: Colour are believed to influence emotions and mental states. The right colour can bring positivity, energy, and spiritual upliftment.

History of Colours During Hindu Festivals

The tradition of using specific colours in Hindu rituals dates back thousands of years. Ancient scriptures like the Vedas and Puranas mention the importance of colours in daily life, religious ceremonies, and astrology. Some key aspects include:

• Vedic Era: Colours were derived from natural sources such as turmeric, flowers, and minerals, which were used in rituals and clothing.

• Ayurvedic Influence: Colours were chosen based on their healing properties. For instance, red and saffron were considered energising, while blue and green had calming effects.

• Temple Art and Sculptures: Ancient temple carvings and murals depict deities adorned in specific colours, reinforcing the significance of hues in spiritual practices.

Mention of Various Colours in Ancient Indian Sculptures

Indian art and sculptures reflect the deep-rooted significance of colours in Hinduism. Some examples include:

• Red & Vermilion: Often used for Durga and Kali, symbolizing power and strength.

• Blue & Black: Seen in depictions of Krishna and Shiva, representing cosmic energy and wisdom.

• Yellow & Gold: Associated with Vishnu and Lakshmi, symbolizing prosperity and enlightenment.

  Green: Linked to fertility and nature, often associated with Parvati and the Goddess of Earth.

Association of Colours with Hindu Deities

Each Hindu deity is associated with specific colours that represent their divine attributes:

• Lord Shiva – White, blue (symbolizing asceticism and cosmic consciousness)

• Goddess Parvati – Yellow, green (representing fertility and devotion)

• Lord Vishnu – Yellow, blue (denoting wisdom and protection)

• Goddess Lakshmi – Red, gold (symbolizing wealth and auspiciousness)

• Lord Krishna – Blue (divine love and cosmic energy)

• Goddess Saraswati – White (purity, wisdom, and learning)

• Lord Ganesha – Red, yellow (auspiciousness and prosperity)

• Goddess Durga – Red, orange (strength and courage)

• Lord Hanuman – Orange (devotion and power)

• Lord Surya (Sun God) – Red, gold (vitality and divine energy)

Wearing these colours during respective deity festivals invokes blessings and strengthens spiritual connections.

Day-wise Colour Associations and Presiding Deities

Each day of the week is ruled by a deity and associated with a specific colour:

• Sunday (Ravivar): Red (dedicated to Lord Surya)

• Monday (Somvar): White (for Lord Shiva)

• Tuesday (Mangalvar): Red (for Lord Hanuman and Mars)

• Wednesday (Budhvar): Green (for Lord Krishna and Mercury)

• Thursday (Guruvar): Yellow (for Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati)

• Friday (Shukravar): Pink or white (for Goddess Lakshmi and Venus)

• Saturday (Shanivar): Black or dark blue (for Lord Shani and Lord Hanuman)

Following these colours is believed to bring positivity, balance, and divine grace.

Colours to Wear on Special Hindu Festivals

1. Colours to Wear on Ekadashi

• White and Yellow are preferred as they represent purity and devotion.

• Avoid black and inauspicious colours.

2. Colours to Wear on Purnima (Full Moon)

• White and light pastels signify peace and spiritual upliftment.

3. Colours to Wear on Navratri (Day-wise & Goddess Association)

• Day 1 (Pratipada): Orange – Goddess Shailputri

• Day 2 (Dwitiya): White – Goddess Brahmacharini

• Day 3 (Tritiya): Red – Goddess Chandraghanta

• Day 4 (Chaturthi): Royal Blue – Goddess Kushmanda

• Day 5 (Panchami): Yellow – Goddess Skandamata

• Day 6 (Shashti): Green – Goddess Katyayani

• Day 7 (Saptami): Grey – Goddess Kalaratri

• Day 8 (Ashtami): Purple – Goddess Mahagauri

• Day 9 (Navami): Peacock Green – Goddess Siddhidatri

4. Colours to Wear on Maha Shivratri

• White, blue, or saffron, representing purity and devotion to Lord Shiva.

5. Colours to Wear on Ganesh Chaturthi

• Red and yellow, symbolizing prosperity and auspiciousness.

6. Colours to Wear on Diwali

• Bright colours like red, yellow, and gold attract prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.

7. Colours to Wear During Fasting (Upwaas)

• Varies according to deity:

  • Monday fasts (Shiva) – White

  • Thursday fasts (Vishnu) – Yellow

  • Friday fasts (Lakshmi) – Pink

8. Colours to Wear on Pitru Paksha

• White or subdued colours to honour ancestors and pay homage.

9. Colours to Wear on Durga Puja

• Red, yellow, and gold for strength and auspiciousness.

10. Colours to Wear on Makar Sankranti

• Black or deep blue, as the festival signifies the end of winter.

11. Colours to Wear on Krishna Janmashtami

• Blue and yellow, associated with Lord Krishna.

12. Colours to Wear on Basant Panchami

• Yellow, the colour of wisdom, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.

Which Colour to Wear During Meditation

Meditation is a deeply spiritual practice that benefits from the use of calming and energy-enhancing colours. The best colours to wear during meditation include:

• White: Represents purity, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. It helps clear the mind and fosters a serene environment.

• Blue: Associated with divine energy and tranquility, blue helps in deepening focus and reducing stress.

• Saffron: The colour of renunciation and wisdom, saffron enhances concentration and connects the practitioner with higher consciousness.

• Green: Symbolizing nature and renewal, green aids in balancing energy and promoting inner harmony.

Choosing the right colour for meditation can enhance the overall experience by aligning the individual with positive vibrations and fostering a sense of peace and mindfulness.

This guide serves as a valuable reference for selecting appropriate festival attire, ensuring spiritual alignment and cultural reverence.