Navratri Day 8 Colour 2026: Purple Significance, Maa Mahagauri Puja and Ashtami Kanya Pujan on October 18

Navratri Day 8 Colour 2026: Why Is Purple Worn on October 18?

Purple is associated with spirituality, wisdom, dignity and inner transformation. In the Navratri colour tradition, it represents a deeper connection with spiritual growth and positive change.

Devotees wear purple on the eighth day as part of the festival's daily colour observance. Purple sarees, salwar suits, lehengas, kurtas and other traditional outfits are popular choices for the occasion. The colour sequence can vary across regional traditions and calendars. Purple is the designated colour for October 18 in the 2026 sequence followed here.

Which Goddess Is Worshipped on Navratri Day 8?

The eighth day of Navratri is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, the eighth form of Goddess Durga. She is associated with purity, peace, compassion and spiritual renewal.


According to Hindu tradition, Maa Mahagauri is depicted with a radiant complexion and is revered for her serene appearance. Her name combines Maha, meaning great, and Gauri, associated with brightness and purity.

Devotees worship Maa Mahagauri to seek peace, prosperity and relief from difficulties. Her association with purity and renewal complements the spiritual significance attributed to purple in the Navratri colour tradition.

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What Does Purple Symbolise During Navratri?

Purple carries several symbolic meanings that resonate with the spiritual observance of Navratri:

• Spiritual growth: Purple is associated with devotion, introspection and a deeper spiritual connection.
• Wisdom: The colour represents insight, thoughtful decisions and personal development.
• Dignity and grace: Purple is often linked with elegance, dignity and a sense of inner strength.
• Transformation: It symbolises positive change and the willingness to move forward with renewed purpose.

What to Wear on Navratri Day 8: Purple Outfit Ideas

Devotees can incorporate purple into their festive attire in simple ways, depending on their preferences and family traditions.

• Purple saree: A purple saree with gold or silver borders is a traditional choice for Ashtami puja.
• Purple salwar suit: A purple suit with subtle embroidery offers a comfortable option for temple visits and home worship.
• Purple lehenga: A purple lehenga with traditional jewellery works well for festive gatherings and Navratri celebrations.
• Purple kurta: Men can choose a purple kurta paired with white, cream or beige trousers.
• Purple accessories: A dupatta, stole or other purple accessory is an easy alternative for those who prefer not to wear the colour head to toe.

Shades such as lavender, lilac, plum and deep violet can all be used. There is no requirement to purchase new clothes; an existing purple outfit or accessory is sufficient to follow the colour tradition.

Navratri Day 8 2026: Date and Significance

Navratri Day 8 falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026, and is observed as Durga Ashtami or Maha Ashtami. The day is dedicated to Maa Mahagauri, who represents purity, peace and compassion.

Many devotees observe special puja on Ashtami, and some families perform Kanya Puja, honouring young girls as manifestations of the divine feminine. The exact timing and rituals depend on the local panchang and family tradition.

Purple is the designated colour for this day in the colour sequence followed here, symbolising spiritual growth, wisdom and transformation.

Read More: Navratri Day 8 (October 18, 2026): Maa Mahagauri Puja Vidhi, Mantra, Bhog, Colour and Significance

Navratri Day 8 Puja Vidhi

On Durga Ashtami, devotees worship Maa Mahagauri and seek her blessings for peace, prosperity and well-being. A simple puja can be performed by following these steps:

1. Clean the puja area and place Maa Mahagauri's idol or picture on a clean platform.
2. Light a diya and offer fresh flowers, fruits, sweets and other traditional bhog.
3. Apply tilak to the goddess and chant “Om Devi Mahagauryai Namah” while offering prayers.
4. Perform aarti and distribute the prasad among family members.

Kanya Puja on Navratri Day 8

Kanya Puja, also known as Kanjak Puja, is an important Ashtami ritual in which young girls are worshipped as manifestations of Goddess Durga. Many families invite girls, traditionally ranging from two to ten years of age, for the ceremony.

Devotees wash the girls' feet as part of the customary ritual, apply tilak, offer prayers and serve them puri, kala chana and halwa. Gifts or money may also be given according to family tradition. The ceremony concludes with seeking the girls' blessings.

Some families perform Kanya Puja on Navami instead of Ashtami, depending on their customs and the local panchang.