Dhunuchi Naach during Durga Puja Festival

Dhunuchi Naach is to Bengalis what Dandiya is to Gujarati people! It is performed for Goddess on Maha Asthami after Sandhi Pujo. This is partly as a ritual and partly as merriment. Many pandals conduct competitions in which the youngsters participate very enthusiastically. What adds to the fun is the participation of non Bengalis too. It is mesmerizing to watch men and women perform this dance wearing traditional dresses. So much grace in sari and dhoti-kurta!

Dhunuchi Naach Durga Puja Bangalore

Dhunuchi Naach Durga Puja Bangalore

Dhunuchi translates to incense burner. Dhunuchi Naach, meaning dance holding hot earthen bowls filled up with burning charcoal covered with layers of coconut husks and powdered incense. The dancers hold the bowls in both their hands and mouth while the clay bowls emanate sweet smelling camphor and incense smoke.

It is a traditional dance where devotees dance to the beats of dhaks (drums). The earthen bowls are filled with dhuno, a combination of coconut husks, lots of camphor and incense sprinkled on them, which is lit. The husks burn slowly spreading out a sweet smelling smoke, which kind of intoxicates the devotees; they are soon into a gentle frenzy and start swaying to the beats of the dhaks.  The aroma which comes from it is regarded as holy and is believed to have a purifying effect.

Dhunuchi Dance Ashtomi Pujo

Dhunuchi Dance Ashtomi Pujo

Dhunuchi Dance materials

Dhunuchi Dance materials

Solo dhunuchi naach with three lamps

Solo dhunuchi naach with three lamps

I saw them dancing with one in hand, some with even two, one in each hand. And the experts hold one in their mouth too. It is during moments like this I experience a lot of difficulty controlling my addiction to photography and just let my ordinary human being self sit and enjoy the moment. The way they twist their arms and sway the hot dhuno without spilling the hot embers out is a sight to treasure… any wrong movement can mean burning feet and face. Her blessings shield all, so I believe!

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