The 7th Navratri Mata during the nine-day Navratri festival is known as Goddess Kalaratri (or Kaalratri or Kalarātri). She is Durga’s fierce, fearless, and protecting aspect, invoked to dispel darkness, fear, and ignorance. Day 7, or Saptami (for Kalaratri), is when all devotees worship the 7th Mata.
Invoking her power brings the eradication of evil forces, obstacles, negative energy, and inner courage to face darkness. Although she appears fierce, she also bestows grace upon the sincere devotee. She embodies that through the confrontation of fear and darkness, a seeker can attain clarity and spiritual light.
Many temples and homes dedicated to Navadurga perform special pujas invoked to Kalaratri on this sacred day. Worship of Kalaratri is largely symbolic; the Mata of fierce aspect becomes protective strength for the devotee. By honoring Kalaratri, one prays for courage, removal of obstacles, and mental endurance during challenging times.
Story Behind 7th Navratri Mata
Another legend states that Kalaratri arose from atmospheric dye during the battle of the cosmic beings, Goddess Durga upheld against the two demons, Shumbha and Nishumbha.
She appeared when Durga took off her divine golden skin in order to combat the demons in an impressive fierce energy.
Kalaratri astounded the demons with her dark appearance; she charged into them fiercely and put an end to darkness and imbalance.
From the perspective of a spiritual lesson Kalaratri warns us indenting to state that we cannot simply run away from darkness (ignorance and fear), but instead must confront it.
In invoking Kalaratri caretaking energy, devotees would to break chains of fear and let courage rise.
Read All About Navratri 2025
Colour and Its Meaning on the 7th Day of Navratri Mata
Orange is the colour for Navratri Day 7 (2025)!
Orange, reinforces warmth, energy, courage, and enthusiasm.
When you wear orange, your aura aligns with Natural energy, the fiery and protective energy of Kalaratri. This colour will serve as a visual reminder of your transformation – letting go of fear and stepping into strength.
You also accept light into your life and invite the cleansing power of the goddess when you wear orange clothing. In many homes, the altar is also adorned with orange flowers, marigolds, and orange fabrics to create this colour.
In Kalaratri’s form of turning darkness into light, orange serves as a bridge of – combining the fierceness of red and the joy of yellow – better supporting you being spiritually awakened.
When you wear orange on Day 7, you are visually affirming faith and vitality, and your commitment to walking into the shadows.
Ritual and Worship Practice
- Begin the day with an early morning shower and check that the worship area is clean.
- Clean all the places where worship will take place; place continues and decorate an image or idol of Kalaratri with flowers and kumkum.
- Light lamp(s) made of ghee and/or bring other incenses.
- Chant her mantras and stotras; typically “Om Kalaratryai Namah” or other suited for the worship of Kalaratri.
- Do arati in the evening, split prasad.
What to Offer (Bhoga) on 7th Navratri Mata
- The main prasad for Maa Kalaratri, on the Day 7 puja, is jaggery (gur).
- You can simply provide jaggery, or sweet dishes made from it like kheer, chikki, or other sweet items with jaggery.
- In some traditions, it is also common to offer plain water alongside the jaggery.
- Please use clean and pure ingredients, and offer the bhog (prasad) with devotion.|
- After offering to Maa, the prasad can be distributed to the devotees or eaten by the family.
What to Wear on Day 7
- The customary colour for Day 7 is orange.
- On this day, it is common to wear orange dresses, such as a saree, kurta, lehenga or Indo-Western style.
- In some customs, it is also suggested to wear other colours with orange like royal blue, red or white accents.
- Make sure the outfit is modest and appropriate for worship, comfortable, and easy to move in.
- You can amp it up with some gold or red jewelry, floral adornments or light embroidery to get into the festive spirit.
