Dhunuchi Dance In Durga Puja And During Visarjan

Dhunuchi Dance is a ritualistic dance performed during Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Jagadhatri Puja. It is an important part of Navami and Durga Visarjan rituals. The dance is performed by both men and women. Whether it is the morning of Ashtami, the night of Navami, the evening of Saptami, or the Dashami immersion—Durga Puja feels incomplete without the dhunuchi dance. Lighting incense and resin in the dhunuchi, and then dancing with the blazing vessel in the hand, on the mouth, or at the waist—matching steps to the rhythm of the dhak carries a special meaning for Bengalis.

The main dancer carries a lamp with smoldering incense. The dance is accompanied by chanting of mantras and traditional musical instruments. The dance usually happens after the nightfall in sacred places, Durga Puja pandals and in ancestral homes that perform Durga Puja.

Story Of Origin of the Dhunuchi Dance

The dhunuchi dance first began in the Durga Pujas of zamindar households. Later, the tradition became popular in community (barowari) pujas across Kolkata and various regions of Bengal. Today it is not only an essential part of Durga Puja but has even taken the form of a competitive event.

According to Hindu scriptures, before slaying Mahishasura, Goddess Durga performed a dhunuchi dance to gather strength. From this comes the belief that through this dance, one can fully surrender oneself to the Goddess. This surrender is said to drive away all evil forces. Thus, the tradition of dancing with a burning dhunuchi has continued year after year.

Religious Significance Of Dhunuchi Dance In Bengal

Worship of the Goddess:
In a dhunuchi, burning charcoal and incense sticks are used to create smoke. It is believed that this smoke pleases Goddess Durga and purifies the surroundings.

Dispelling evil forces:
The smoke from incense and burning resin during the puja drives away negative energies and spreads positive ones.

Origin of the Dhunuchi:
A dhunuchi is essentially a clay vessel in which coconut husk or charcoal is lit and incense is burned. Since ancient times, it has been used in worship for purification and devotion to the deities.

Cultural Significance Of Dhunuchi Dance In Bengal

Festive joy:
The dhunuchi dance greatly enhances the joy of Durga Puja. The sound of dhak, kansar, conch shells, and the swirling incense smoke together create a magical atmosphere.

Social bonding:
Men and women alike take part in this dance. It becomes a gathering of community and togetherness.

Preserving tradition:
The dhunuchi dance is a unique symbol of Bengali folk culture. This tradition has been passed down through generations.

Dhunuchi – The Earthen Container

The dance form takes its name from the earthen container with a handle (or a long base) and an open top, which the dancer holds. The earthen container is known as Dhunuchi. It is filled with aromatic resins and coconut fiber. It is then burned to produce a fragrant smoke.

The smoke creates patterns in air based on the movements of the dancer.

A Frenzied Dance

The dance is performed in front of Goddess Durga and Goddess Kali.

This is a frenzied dance. The dance is well animated with furious bodily moments and wild spins. A replica of the pattern of the dance is created by the heavy smoke in air. As time passes, the drum beats grow frenetic and louder, the mantras too become loud and the dance matches up to the drum beat and loud mantras.

Often it seems the dancer is possessed by a divine power.

Today, along with Dhak and Dhol, Dhunuchi dance is an essential part of Durga Puja.