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

Giving an insight, Dr Abhishek Ghosh, director, Institute for Vaishnava Studies and Associate Faculty of Hinduism and South Asian Studies, said that dried coconut husk is utilized arsenic the superior fuel, arsenic it ignites rapidly and burns slowly, sustaining the ritual for an extended period. “Camphor is added to the husk to heighten the occurrence and nutrient a fragrant, purifying smoke, symbolising devotion and cleansing. Incense, often made from aromatic resins similar myrrh, is utilized to make a affluent and soothing scent that fills the air,” helium told indianexpress.com.

A dhunuchi is simply a accepted incense burner, commonly utilized successful Durga Puja rituals. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

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

Dhunuchi naach is performed during Durga Puja, peculiarly successful the past fewer days of the festival — betwixt the eighth and tenth time of the celebration. It is an offering of joy, devotion, and reverence, celebrating the triumph of Goddess Durga implicit her adversary Mahishasura. The ritual dance, with its swirling movements and hypnotic rhythm, helps participants and onlookers participate a heightened authorities of spiritual consciousness and corporate celebration.

“Resin, burning successful the dhunuchi, produces aromatic fume that purifies the air, symbolizing the cleansing of the psyche and the situation to invitation the presence of Goddess Durga. Myrrh further deepens the spiritual essence of the offering, arsenic its rich, earthy fragrance is traditionally associated with divine transportation and healing,” said Dr Ghosh.

The dhunuchi and the ritual associated with it transportation heavy spiritual and spiritual symbolism, peculiarly successful the discourse of Durga Puja. “The dhunuchi symbolises the enactment of offering devotion to the goddess successful a tangible, sensory form. The fume produced from the burning coconut husks, camphor, and aromatic resins is believed to purify the space, dispel negativity, and invitation the divine beingness of Goddess Durga,” said Dr Ghosh.

According to him, the rising fume represents the devotion of the worshippers, somewhat similar a yajna, portion the fragrant aroma is said to delight the goddess and guarantee her blessings. “This enactment besides symbolises the translation of worldly offerings into spiritual energy, elevating the transportation betwixt the devotee and the divine,” helium concluded.