Navratri- What's the colour today!!

'Colours of Navratri, 2020'- my Google search as soon as October stepped in!! I mean I get so excited every year, rather twice a year, when Navratri is approaching! No, it is not for the Dandiya nights...no, no not even for Pandal hopping, though both have their own beauty and significance. For me, it is something as simple as what colour each Navratri day would stand for- Yes!! My happiness in this small and may be 'insignificant'  nothing amidst the huge festivities!!

So, when did my love for Navratri colours begin, or rather where did the seeds sprout?? Any guesses? No, no...it was not Kolkata though I am a hard core Kolkatan minus the fish and the egg!! Mumbai local train-yes!! That was where this association started- Navratri and my love for its beautiful colours!!  One of those days when I was struggling in the local when I realized that most of the ladies in my compartment were in yellow!! Little did I think about it when I observed colour coordination the next day too and found myself asking someone, "Aj kuch hai kya Bombay me? Sabne ek jaise colours kyu pehne hue hai?". The lady draped in a beautiful saree questioned back, 'Tum Mumbai se nahi ho na?". 'Kolkata" 'I said with pride in my voice and "Navratri" she replied with a smile on her face!

I was mesmerized by her beautiful explanation of each day representing a different 'Devi' avatar and a special significance. I was equally mesmerized witnessing the city dazzling in the colours specific to the days during those 9 auspicious days!! Something struck me and has stayed with me till date, years after I left my 'Karmabhumi'. 2008 and today- I am equally excited when Google engine throws up those colours on my screen- Day 1- Grey, Day 2- Orange and Day 3, Day 4 and beyond!!

I have been trying to follow the beautiful custom both during Chaitra & Sharad Navratri irrespective of which part of the country I am in. And guess what! I now have a young and cute little partner to give me company- my 2 year old daughter!! Yes, she has been my partner in this colour game since she was 6 months old!! That's when the first Chaitra Navratri came. Yes, yes, I have all her pictures in those bright and beautiful colours but that's for some other time!!

For now, Sharad Navratri has set in and it began with the solemn 'Grey'! While it may seem a dull or even a "no colour', for me it is a sophisticated colour , depicting grace; for me it is timeless and for me it is the neutral zone between black & white!!

Clad in Grey, here is our trio!! All smiles, all grey!!

I really hope Bunny continues this 'Mommy' tradition when she grows up!! The 'Navratri-What's the colour today" tradition!!