Navratri Day 4: Yellow hue marks worship of Goddess Kushmanda

The fourth day of the nine-day Navratri festival holds special significance in the Hindu religious calendar, with worshippers across India observing rituals dedicated to Goddess Kushmanda. According to tradition, this day—marked as Chaturthi Tithi—celebrates the manifestation of the goddess who is believed to have created the universe through her divine energy.

Yellow is the designated colour for Day 4 of Navratri, symbolizing brightness, purity, and spiritual awakening. Devotees customarily wear yellow garments and accessories throughout the day as an expression of their reverence and to align themselves with the energy associated with this particular phase of the festival.

Goddess Kushmanda holds a distinctive place in the Navratri narrative. Her name derives from Sanskrit, with "Ku" representing a small amount and "Ushma" representing warmth or energy. She is venerated as the primordial energy that sustains all creation and cosmic balance. Temples and households across the country organize special prayers and offerings on this day to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and spiritual growth.

Navratri, celebrated twice annually in spring and autumn, draws millions of devotees who observe fasts, perform rituals, and engage in cultural festivities. Each of the nine days corresponds to the worship of a different form of Goddess Durga, with specific colours, flowers, and ritual practices associated with each day. The observance remains central to Hindu traditions across India and diaspora communities worldwide.