On the second day of Chaitra Navratri, devotees honour Maa Brahmacharini, who is represented as holding rosary beads with Rudraksha in one hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in the other. It is believed that Maa Brahmacharini favours jaggery and offerings to her often include bhog (ritual food) containing jaggery. On the first day, devotees worship Maa Shailputri. They observe fast throughout the day and offer their prayers and worship to her.

Navratri is celebrated four times a year, but Chaitra and Shardiya Navratri are particularly important to Hindu devotees. Chaitra Navratri begins on the first day of the Hindu luni-solar calendar and commemorates the birth of Goddess Durga, symbolising the creation of the cosmos and all life within it. It is believed that during Navratri, Maa Durga descends from heaven to bless her devotees. The nine-day period is observed with prayer, meditation and fasting. Devotees abstain from non-vegetarian food, alcohol and tobacco and opt for meals without garlic and onion. They worship Adi Shakti and her nine forms, recite mantras, decorate their homes and seek the blessings of Maa Durga. (Also read: Happy Navratri 2024: Chaitra Navratri wishes, images, SMS, greetings, WhatsApp and Facebook status to share )