Dhunuchi Dance in Durgapuja (दुर्गा पूजा धुनुची नृत्य)

The traditional dress, jewelry, food, music in Durga Puja doubles the excitement of the puja!One of the most prominent traditions during the Pujo days is the customary Dhunuchi Nach, which is also the most awaited. The dance is a custom performed on Ashtami, holding two Dhunuchis (Clay pots with a stem), containing burning Coconut husk with Dhuno (incense) sprinkled with camphor.

In West Bengal, Dhunuchi Nritya is very common during Durga Puja. Dhunuchi dance is performed with two Dhunachi in hands along with the frenzied beat of Dhak (Dhol).

Reason Behind Dhunchi Dance:
Dhunuchi Nach is a devotional dance performed during Durga puja and it is a tradition in Bengal. Offered as a vote of thanks to Maa Durga in the evening Durga aarti, the nach is performed on the beats of Dhak. The Dhunuchi is known to have self-insulating and purifying properties, and hence offered to the Devi, in the quintessential Bengali attire, with such grace and aplomb!

The trick is to balance the earthen bowl containing burning incense either with his hands or on the forehead or in the mouth. Nowadays this traditional dance is performed by both men and women in Durga Puja.

Significance of Ulu Sound:
Ulu sound refers to the vocal sound made by a group of women. Ulu sounds also known as Hulu, Hula Huli, Ulok Dhwani etc. It is just a culture in our religion. This is the reason why Bengali women perform with Dhunuchi dance during auspicious Durga Puja occasions. It is ritually followed in some parts of eastern India, especially in the religious rituals of Bengali and Oriya.

This ritual is believed to have originated during the medieval period. The Ulu sound is considered very sacred and is believed to bring positive energy. It is also believed to drive away evil spirits. Some societies nowadays also organize ulu sounding competitions. They are quite entertaining!