The second night belongs to Maa Brahmacharini — the form of Parvati who undertook years of penance to win Shiva as her husband. She ate only fruit and flowers, then only leaves, then nothing at all, which is why she is also called Aparna. Her story is of patience, discipline and the strength that comes from a quiet, unwavering heart.
How she is shown
She walks barefoot, dressed in white, holding a japa mala (prayer beads) in her right hand and a kamandalu (water pot) in her left. Unlike most forms of Durga, she has no mount and no weapon — her power is her tapasya, her devotion.
What the second night means
Brahmacharini stands for knowledge, self-control and steady effort. Students and anyone beginning something difficult pray to her for focus and perseverance.
Offering and prayers
Sugar and simple sweets are offered to her, as a prayer for a long life. Her mantra is “Om Devi Brahmacharinyai Namah”.
What to wear on the second night
Many families follow a colour for each day of Navratri — the order changes each year with the weekday on which the festival begins, so check the list for this year. Whatever the colour, choose something you can sit, pray and dance in: light cotton or chanderi kurta sets, a dupatta for the puja, and a little mirror work or gota for the evening garba.
Explore the Navratri edit, and read about all nine nights in our Navratri guide.
Jai Mata Di.
