A Dish For Every Colour Of

Navratri

Quick Summary

Navratri is among the most widely celebrated festivals in India, marked by devotion, dance, fasting, and feasting. Spanning nine nights, each day is associated with a specific colour symbolising qualities such as yellow for positivity or blue for strength. Food, too, becomes a part of this expression, with dishes prepared to reflect the day’s colour and its deeper meaning. In this article, we explore nine such dishes, each capturing both the hue and spirit it represents!

Deep Dive

Navratri, meaning nine nights, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms. Across India, Navratri is observed with various rituals; some regions focus on Garba and Dandiya dances, while others perform Golu displays or participate in community prayers. Yet, one element that is common in all regions and unites everyone is food! 

What makes Navratri unique is the amalgamation of devotion and celebration. A colour symbolises each day, and devotees often choose to wear that colour as a mark of respect. Over time, this practice has also entered kitchens, with dishes prepared to reflect the hues of the day. The result is a table that becomes as festive as the occasion itself.

Matching dishes with colours is not just about presentation; it also carries a deeper meaning. Each colour reflects qualities like courage, wisdom, purity, and compassion. Food prepared in these shades becomes an offering to the goddess as well as nourishment for the family. The Navratri fasting rules, which exclude grains like wheat and rice but allow ingredients such as amaranth, buckwheat, and dairy, also encourage creativity in the kitchen.

From yellow pumpkin halwa on the first day to pink beetroot curd rice on the eighth, Navratri is a mixture of devotion in the form of food and celebration. The idea of a dish for every colour adds an extra sparkle, making the festival not only spiritual but also a feast for the senses.

A Dish For Every Day and Colour

Day 1 – Yellow for Positivity

The first day sets the tone for Navratri. Yellow, symbolising joy and energy, is often reflected in dishes like Pumpkin Halwa. Its rich golden hue mirrors the warmth of the colour, while its sweetness marks an auspicious beginning. The dish is also nourishing, providing natural carbohydrates that are filling during fasting.

Day 2 – Green for Growth

Green is associated with harmony and new beginnings. Palak Cutlets, or spinach-based snacks, bring this vibrant colour to the plate. These crisp bites not only capture the vibrancy of green but also add an earthy balance to fasting meals. The leafy freshness reflects health and renewal.

Day 3 – Grey for Strength

Grey may appear unusual for a festival, but it represents balance and determination. Bajra Laddoos are a fitting choice, their rustic grey tone symbolising resilience. Made from pearl millet, they are packed with fibre and nutrients, providing steady energy during fasting days.

Day 4 – Orange for Vitality

Orange stands for enthusiasm and strength. A Jain Mixed Vegetable Makhni in saffron-orange tones celebrates the spirit of this day. Its creamy richness comes from fasting-friendly ingredients, while its bright shade brings festive cheer to the thali.

Day 5 – White for Purity

The middle of Navratri brings calmness with the colour white. Soft, Spongy Dhoklas or a simple bowl of samak rice pudding embody peace and serenity. These dishes are light yet wholesome, reminding devotees of purity in thought and action.

Day 6 – Red for Courage

Red is bold, symbolising power and passion. Beetroot-based dishes, such as Beetroot Sabzi or Beetroot Kheer, bring this vibrant colour alive on the plate. The deep red shade reflects energy and determination, perfectly suited for invoking strength.

Day 7 – Royal Blue for Transformation

Blue is rare in food, but it is symbolic of stability and protection. A creative way to honour this day is with Butterfly Pea Flower Rice, which turns a natural royal blue when cooked. This dish captures imagination while aligning with the colour’s meaning of transformation.

Day 8 – Pink for Compassion

The eighth day, often marked by Kanya Puja, popularly known as Kanjak, is represented by pink, a colour of kindness and love. Beetroot Curd Rice offers a gentle blush of pink while being cooling and nourishing. It is a dish that feels celebratory yet soothing.

Day 9 – Purple for Spirituality

The final day closes the cycle with purple, representing wisdom and spiritual fulfilment. While purple foods are less common, ingredients like purple yams or black rice can be used to create fasting-friendly dishes. Their deep shades bring a sense of completion and respect to the festival table.

More Than Just Colour

The practice of aligning food with colour may seem like a creative modern twist, but it flows naturally from the symbolism of Navratri. Each plate becomes a canvas where tradition meets flavour. These dishes not only brighten the festive spread but also bring families together, encouraging shared meals that carry both devotion and joy.

Fasting during Navratri is not about restriction alone; it is about mindful eating, focusing on purity, balance, and nourishment. Colourful dishes make this practice enjoyable, ensuring the festival is remembered for its spirit as well as its taste.

As the nine nights unfold, the Navratri thali becomes a story told in shades, where every hue is more than decoration; it is devotion served on a plate.