The Essence of Maha Ashtami
Maha Ashtami, the eighth day of Durga Puja, holds immense spiritual significance in the worship of Goddess Durga. It is the day when devotees believe the Mother manifests her supreme power to destroy evil and bless her children with strength, purity, and prosperity. Among the many rituals performed on this day, Dhuno Porano—a sacred incense-offering ritual—stands out as a unique expression of feminine devotion and grace. This practice, particularly prevalent among the Gandhabanik community and some aristocratic Bengali families, symbolizes both purification and surrender to the Divine Mother.
The Ritual and Its Performance
During Dhuno Porano, women gather before the idol of Goddess Durga, often dressed in traditional attire, embodying the spirit of Shakti. A new towel or gamchha is wrapped around their heads and hands to form a bundle, upon which a new brass bowl (malsa) is placed. Inside the bowl, incense (dhuno), made from dried resin, coconut husk, and aromatic herbs, is lit. The women then perform rhythmic movements, often accompanied by ululation (uludhwani) and the sound of conch shells, while the fragrant smoke rises heavenward. Each woman typically offers incense in three bowls, symbolizing devotion to the Trinity of Goddesses—Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati—and prays for the well-being of her family and children.
Spiritual Symbolism
The rising smoke of the dhuno represents the ascent of human prayers to the divine realm. It is believed to purify the environment and the hearts of the devotees. In Hindu philosophy, fire and fragrance hold sacred meaning. The Bhagavad Gita (9.26) says, “Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati – I accept whatever is offered to Me with love and devotion, be it a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water.” This verse highlights that the divinity of an offering lies in the sincerity of the devotee, not its material value. Dhuno Porano thus becomes an act of heartfelt offering, where women dedicate their prayers and emotions through the sacred medium of fragrance.
Cultural and Emotional Significance
Beyond its religious roots, Dhuno Porano is a celebration of womanhood. It embodies the nurturing power of women as protectors and caregivers of the household, much like Goddess Durga herself. The act of collectively performing this ritual strengthens the sense of community and shared devotion. Even today, families like those of Bholanath Dham (Dutta Bari) on Beadon Street, Badan Chandra Roy’s house in Kalutola, and the Seal Bari in Chorbagan continue to preserve this heritage, keeping alive a centuries-old tradition.
Meaning and Importance
At its core, Dhuno Porano is not merely the burning of incense—it is the awakening of the soul through the senses. The fragrance of burning dhuno fills the air with sanctity, reminding devotees that purity of thought and devotion can cleanse all negativity. It connects the mortal with the divine, bridging the human heart with the infinite compassion of the Mother Goddess. Through this ritual, devotees reaffirm their faith that as the smoke disperses, so too do the sufferings of life, leaving behind peace, light, and divine grace.