New Delhi: Decked in festive finery, the Bengal community comes together five days a year to pay respect to Goddess Durga and revel in the festivities and food during Durga Puja. Durja Puja is a grand celebration of Maa Durga’s victory over evil, and this year it will start from September 28, 2025. But, pujo celebrations are never complete without the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, on which the devotees sway while holding a dhunuchi, as they perform the dhunuchi naach.

Over the years, Dhunuchi dance has not just been a religious dance – it is a cultural performance symbolising faith, rhythm, and devotion. The whole community, be it men, women, or children, comes together to perform the Dhunuchi dance to express their joy during Durga Puja evenings, especially on Maha Navami. Keep reading to know more about this sacred dance.

Dhunuchi is an earthenware incense burner that devotees hold during Durga Maa aarti and dance with it. That’s why it is known as Dhunuchi Naach. Before dancing, the dhunuchi is filled with coconut-burning husk and aromatic incense, creating smoke and a fragrant ambience that allows devotees to purely dive into devotion and surrender themselves to Maa Durga.

Usually, Dhunuchi is balanced through the hands of the devotees while they move to the beats of traditional dhaak and the sound of conch shells. They perform intricate and rhythmic dance movements, spinning, swaying, and creating graceful patterns in the air with the smoking dhunuchi.

In religious texts, it is said that on the ninth day (Mahanavami) of Navratri, Goddess Durga finally defeated Mahisasur after battling with him for 9 days. When Maa Durga and Mahisasur were in an intense battle, devotees performed the dhunuchi dance to infuse her with strength and power. Some of the devotees also believed that Maa Durga herself performed the dhunuchi dance to seek the blessings of the almighty to help her defeat Mahisasur.

Durga Puja 2025: What is Dhunuchi Naach? Why This Unique Dance Form is Performed in The Divine Presence of Maa Durga

Dhunuchi dance is a very vigorous dance form that demands significant effort to balance while swaying the whole body. Many people are not able to strike a balance, as it requires years of practice and learning. During the Dhunuchi dance, men and women wear traditional Punjabi kurtas and white and red sarees to devote themselves to Maa Durga.

As Durga Puja arrives, pandals across Bengal and beyond prepare for the enchanting Dhunuchi Naach. With its smoky fragrance, energetic drumbeats, and passionate dancers, it reflects the heart of the festival — devotion, unity, and celebration. Whether you join in or simply watch, Dhunuchi Naach is an unforgettable experience that captures the spirit of Durga Puja like nothing else.