Durga Puja 2024: What exactly is a dhunuchi?

The dhunuchi and the ritual associated with it carry deep religious and spiritual symbolism, particularly in the context of Pujo.

Written by Ishika Roy

New Delhi | Updated: October 15, 2024 11:00 AM IST

3 min read

Dhunuchi is a Bengali incense burner used for one of the stages during aarti, or ritualized dance worship. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Decked in festive finery, the Bengali community comes together five days a year to pay respect to Goddess Durga and revel in the festivities and food during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. But, pujo celebrations are incomplete without the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, on which the devotees sway while holding a dhunuchi, as they perform the dhunuchi naach.

A dhunuchi is a traditional incense burner, typically made from earthenware or metal, shaped like a shallow bowl with a handle for easy holding (during the dance). Commonly used in Durga Puja rituals, the dhunuchi is filled with several sacred elements that produce aromatic smoke, offered to Goddess Durga as a sign of devotion.

Giving an insight, Dr Abhishek Ghosh, Dean of Faculty, Dharma Studies at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, said that dried coconut husk is used as the primary fuel, as it ignites quickly and burns slowly, sustaining the ritual for an extended period. “Camphor is added to the husk to enhance the flame and produce a fragrant, purifying smoke, symbolising devotion and cleansing. Incense, often made from aromatic resins like myrrh, is used to create a rich and soothing scent that fills the air,” he told indianexpress.com.

A dhunuchi is a traditional incense burner, commonly used in Durga Puja rituals. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

But what is the significance of dhunuchi naach (dance)?

Dhunuchi naach is performed during Durga Puja, particularly in the last few days of the festival — between the eighth and tenth day of the celebration. It is an offering of joy, devotion, and reverence, celebrating the victory of Goddess Durga over her adversary Mahishasura. The ritual dance, with its swirling movements and hypnotic rhythm, helps participants and onlookers enter a heightened state of spiritual awareness and collective celebration.

“Resin, burning in the dhunuchi, produces aromatic smoke that purifies the air, symbolizing the cleansing of the soul and the environment to invite the presence of Goddess Durga. Myrrh further deepens the spiritual essence of the offering, as its rich, earthy fragrance is traditionally associated with divine connection and healing,” said Dr Ghosh.

The dhunuchi and the ritual associated with it carry deep religious and spiritual symbolism, particularly in the context of Durga Puja. “The dhunuchi symbolises the act of offering devotion to the goddess in a tangible, sensory form. The smoke produced from the burning coconut husks, camphor, and aromatic resins is believed to purify the space, dispel negativity, and invite the divine presence of Goddess Durga,” said Dr Ghosh.

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According to him, the rising smoke represents the devotion of the worshippers, somewhat like a yajna, while the fragrant aroma is said to please the goddess and ensure her blessings. “This act also symbolises the transformation of material offerings into spiritual energy, elevating the connection between the devotee and the divine,” he concluded.

Ishika Roy

Ishika Roy is a distinguished lifestyle journalist and Sub Editor at The Indian Express. Bringing nearly two years of rigorous newsroom experience, she specialises in the nuanced intersection of personal life, cultural trends, and societal shifts, delivering incisive coverage on how these forces shape modern Indian existence. Experience and Career Ishika Roy began her journalism career by building a strong academic foundation. She holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology from the prestigious Miranda House, Delhi, and further cemented her expertise with a Master's in Journalism from SIMC, Pune. This educational background underpins her professional role as a Sub Editor and lifestyle reporter at The Indian Express, where she has rapidly established a portfolio covering contemporary social dynamics, from modern dating anxieties to emerging consumer obsessions. Expertise and Focus Areas Roy’s reporting is known for its authoritative depth, often utilizing a sociological lens to analyze pop culture. Her specific beats and unique approach include: Lifestyle & Culture: Incisive reporting on beauty, skincare, fashion, art, and the evolving landscape of cultural practices. Generational Trends (Gen Z): Focused analysis on how social dynamics, technology, and emerging movements—such as 'food raves,' 'fake weddings,' and 'rage bait'—are shaping the lives of younger generations. Societal Nuance: Explores complex social topics like relationships, self-worth, and cultural dynamics, always focusing on their tangible impact on everyday life. Roy’s trustworthiness is derived from her commitment to high-quality, verified reporting and her unique academic perspective. Her sociological training allows her to move beyond surface-level trends and provide rigorous analysis of social phenomena, establishing her as an expert source on modern Indian consumer and cultural shifts. Her extensive work published in The Indian Express is a testament to her commitment to delivering objective and impactful commentary on the pulse of contemporary life. Find all stories by Ishika Roy here. ... Read More

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Durga Puja 2024: Why ‘dhunuchi naach’ is an integral part of the festivities

The dhunuchi and the ritual associated with it carry deep religious and spiritual symbolism, particularly in the context of Pujo.

But what is the significance of dhunuchi naach (dance)?