Dancer and actress Rukmini Vijayakumar is looking forward to the festive season, a time she has cherished since childhood. On the fourth day of Navratri, associated with the color orange, we catch up with her to discuss the festival, her childhood memories of it, and what orange represents to her: zeal and vitality. Recalling her childhood, she shares, "My lasting memories of Navratri involve setting up golu (gombe) with my brother and cousins when I was young. We would also plant ragi seeds and have a friendly competition to showcase the best part of the golu display." As a dancer, Rukmini is accustomed to wearing vibrant attire, but does the color orange hold special meaning for her? "Orange brings to mind the sun, flowers, and childhood memories of vibrant hues like alta and henna stains. It signifies joy, togetherness, and a drive to achieve greatness in life," she explains. Her mother adds that, for her, orange symbolizes knowledge. Rukmini fondly recalls how Navratri also meant nights filled with dancing, a cherished tradition that her strict mother only allowed during this festive period. She reminisces, "Dandiya nights were some of my fondest Navratri memories. Despite returning with sore feet and bandaged toes, the joy of dancing on those nights was unparalleled.""Rukmini reminisces about the joyous memories of dancing during festivals. However, she acknowledges that the concept of celebrations has evolved over the years. She notes a decline in Dandiya nights compared to her childhood. Reflecting on her favorite festive recollection, she fondly recalls attending dance classes at her teacher's house during Navratri, as Vijayadashami holds special significance for dancing. Now, her students gather at her dance class to mark Vijayadashami, making it a meaningful occasion for her."