Dhunuchi Dance: Discover The Origin And Significance Of Bengali Durga Pujo Ritual

The Durgo Pujo is of great significance for the Bengalis and one of the major highlights of pujo is the Dhunuchi dance. Scroll down to find out about the history, importance, and other information about this age-old ceremony.

What is Dhunuchi Dance?

• To please Maa Durga, Bengalis perform the Dhunuchi dance to the beats of Dhaak as a special representation of their devotion to the goddess.
• According to the native beliefs of Bengalis, Durga Maa comes to earth during this four-day affair every year, along with her four children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik, to bless her devotees with her presence.

• On the eighth day of Navratri, i.e., Ashtami, the devotees dress up in traditional attires and perform the folk dance with an earthen pot carrying burning coconut scrapes. They dance to the beats of Dhaak with the pot in their hands and even mouths.

History Of Dhunuchi Dance

• According to the mythology, Devi Durga was in a battle with Mahishasura for nine days.
• During this time, the devotees performed this dance to offer strength and energy to the goddess.
• Since then, the tradition of offering power and devotion to the goddess through this dance form started.

Significance Of Dhunuchi Dance

• The dance tradition is meant to represent one’s devotion to the goddess during Durga Pujo.
• Earlier, only men used to perform this ceremonial dance and later, the women joined them too.
• The believers hold the Dhunuchi while dancing and it is not as easy as it looks. Holding the open pot with burning material can be a little tricky but it’s all about the balance.

• Some enthusiasts even do it with three Dhunuchi, one each in their hands and one in their mouth, held by their teeth.

• Due to the essence of Dhuno, the Dhunuchi is considered to be a symbol of prosperity. The clay pot’s shape is meant to hold coconut husk, camphor, and Dhuno (a form of incense made up of resin from sal trees).
• The belief is that the smell of Dhuno brings positive vibes, good luck, and prosperity.

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The Durgo Pujo is of great significance for the Bengalis and one of the major highlights of pujo is the Dhunuchi dance. Scroll down to find out about the history, importance, and other information about this age-old ceremony.

What is Dhunuchi Dance?

• To please Maa Durga, Bengalis perform the Dhunuchi dance to the beats of Dhaak as a special representation of their devotion to the goddess.
• According to the native beliefs of Bengalis, Durga Maa comes to earth during this four-day affair every year, along with her four children, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh, and Kartik, to bless her devotees with her presence.

• On the eighth day of Navratri, i.e., Ashtami, the devotees dress up in traditional attires and perform the folk dance with an earthen pot carrying burning coconut scrapes. They dance to the beats of Dhaak with the pot in their hands and even mouths.

History Of Dhunuchi Dance

• According to the mythology, Devi Durga was in a battle with Mahishasura for nine days.
• During this time, the devotees performed this dance to offer strength and energy to the goddess.
• Since then, the tradition of offering power and devotion to the goddess through this dance form started.

Significance Of Dhunuchi Dance

• The dance tradition is meant to represent one’s devotion to the goddess during Durga Pujo.
• Earlier, only men used to perform this ceremonial dance and later, the women joined them too.
• The believers hold the Dhunuchi while dancing and it is not as easy as it looks. Holding the open pot with burning material can be a little tricky but it’s all about the balance.

• Some enthusiasts even do it with three Dhunuchi, one each in their hands and one in their mouth, held by their teeth.

• Due to the essence of Dhuno, the Dhunuchi is considered to be a symbol of prosperity. The clay pot’s shape is meant to hold coconut husk, camphor, and Dhuno (a form of incense made up of resin from sal trees).
• The belief is that the smell of Dhuno brings positive vibes, good luck, and prosperity.

If you liked this story, then please share it. To read more such stories, stay connected to HerZindagi.