Navratri: the nine forms of the Devi, their colours, mantras and chakras

Navratri means "nine nights". Over these nine nights we honour nine forms of the Devi, the Navadurga, one after another. I like to treat the festival as a nine-day inner practice as well as a celebration: one form of the Mother, one colour, one mantra and one chakra each day, moving slowly from the base of the spine up to the crown.

This is the practice I shared during Sharad Navratri in 2025, which began on 22 September. The day colours change every year, because they follow the weekday on which each day falls, so check the current year's list before you dress for the day. The forms, mantras, chakras and affirmations stay the same, and you can use them in any Navratri, or at any time you want a nine-day reset.

How to use this practice

Each day, find a few quiet minutes in the morning or before sleep:

1. Light a lamp or simply sit comfortably, and take three slow breaths.
2. Chant the mantra of the day's form of the Devi. Om Durgaye Namaha works for every day if you prefer one simple mantra.
3. Bring your attention to the day's chakra and chant its beej (seed) sound slowly, as many times as feels right.
4. Repeat the affirmation, silently or aloud.
5. If you like, wear the day's colour and add a few of the suggested foods to your meals.

The food ideas are traditional and gentle suggestions, not a diet. If you are fasting, unwell, pregnant or on medication, please follow your doctor's advice first.

Day 1: Maa Shailputri and the root chakra

The colour was white. Chant Om Durgaye Namaha or "ॐ देवी शैलपुत्र्यै नमः" (Om Devi Shailputryai Namah). Work with the root chakra (Muladhara) for safety and stability, chanting its seed sound LAM. Affirmation: "I am grounded, safe, and supported by the universe." Foods that suit the day are root vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and beetroot, and red juices like pomegranate or beetroot and carrot.

Day 2: Maa Brahmacharini and the sacral chakra

The colour was red. Chant "या देवी सर्वभूतेषु माँ ब्रह्मचारिणी रूपेण संस्थिता। नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः।" The sacral chakra (Swadhisthana) belongs to water, creativity and flow; its seed sound is VAM. Affirmation: "I honour my emotions, passions, and creative energy with joy." Orange fruits, almonds, walnuts, sesame, sweet potato, pumpkin, cinnamon and vanilla all suit it, as do dancing, swimming, painting, singing, writing and hip-opening yoga poses such as Bound Angle and Pigeon.

Day 3: Maa Chandraghanta and the solar plexus chakra

The colour was royal blue. Chant Om Durgaye Namaha or "ऐं श्रीं शक्तयै नम:" (Aim Shreem Shaktayai Namah). The solar plexus (Manipura) is the fire centre of confidence and personal power; chant RAM. Affirmation: "I stand in my power, confident and strong in my choices." Yellow foods, rice, oats, millet, ginger, turmeric and cumin support it, along with core work, a little morning sun, and practising clear decisions.

Day 4: Maa Kushmanda and the heart chakra

The colour was yellow. Maa Kushmanda is the creator of the cosmic egg. Chant Om Durgaye Namaha or "ॐ देवी कूष्माण्डायै नमः" (Om Devi Kushmandayai Namah). For the heart chakra (Anahata), chant YAM. Affirmation: "I give and receive love freely; my heart is open and healed." Leafy greens, green fruits, basil, mint and green tea suit the day. It is a lovely day for forgiveness: I suggest Ho'oponopono, time with loved ones, small acts of kindness and gentle breathing.

Day 5: Maa Skandamata and the throat chakra

The colour was green. Chant Om Lakshmaye Namaha or "ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्लीं देवी स्कंदमातायै ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीं फट्॥". The throat chakra (Vishuddha) governs expression and truth. Affirmation: "I speak my truth with clarity, confidence, and kindness." Try singing, chanting, journaling, reading aloud and neck stretches, with blueberries, coconut water, honey with lemon water and warm soups.

Day 6: Maa Katyayani and the third eye chakra

The colour was grey. Chant Om Lakshmaye Namaha or "क्लीं श्री त्रिनेत्रायै नम:" (Kleem Shri Trinetrayai Namah). The third eye (Ajna) is the seat of intuition. Affirmation: "I trust my intuition and see life with clarity and insight." Purple foods, walnuts, chia and flax seeds suit it, as do meditation, visualisation, dream journaling and time in silence.

Day 7: Maa Kaalratri and the crown chakra

The colour was orange. Chant Om Lakshmaye Namaha or "ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं कालरात्र्यै नमः" (Om Aim Hreem Kleem Kalratryai Namah). The crown chakra (Sahasrara) connects us with the divine; its sound is OM. Affirmation: "I am one with the divine energy that flows through me." Keep food light and fresh, read something spiritual and spend a little time alone.

Day 8: Maa Mahagauri, purity and divine light

Maa Mahagauri is beauty, purity and serenity. Meditate on soft pink, the colour of gentleness and surrender, and visualise white or pink light at the crown while chanting Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah or Om Saraswatey Namah, with OM for the crown. Sattvic white foods such as coconut, milk, kheer, white rice and sabudana are traditional. Journal what you are grateful for.

Day 9: Maa Siddhidatri, completion

The colour was pink. Maa Siddhidatri gives siddhis and wholeness. Work with the crown and third eye together: visualise violet or golden light above your head and chant Om Siddhidatryai Namah or Om Saraswateye Namah, with OM. Offer nuts, jaggery, honey, grapes and pomegranate, and close the nine days with selfless service, surrender and deep meditation.

What this practice is not

These nine days are a devotional and reflective practice. They do not replace medical care, and no mantra or food is a cure. Go at your own pace; even one quiet minute a day counts.

If you would like help balancing your energy, my Reiki healing sessions work with the same chakras, and you are always welcome to send me a message.