# Dhunuchi naach: the incense dance of Durga Puja

> Dhunuchi naach is a devotional dance performed during Durga Puja with a dhunuchi, a clay incense burner filled with burning coconut husk and dhuno (a fragrant resin), to the rhythm of the dhak drum. It is usually performed at the evening arati on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami, and reaches its peak on Navami night. Anyone may join, but burning embers mean care is essential.

Source: https://pujoparikramaguide.in/durga-puja/rituals/dhunuchi-naach/ (updated 2026-10-06)

**Dhunuchi naach** (*dhunuchi*, incense burner; *naach*, dance) is the dance Bengalis perform before the goddess with smoking clay incense burners, to the pounding rhythm of the **dhak** drum. It belongs to the evening arati of Durga Puja, usually from **Saptami to Navami**, and it reaches its peak on **Navami night**, the last night before the goddess leaves.

## What the dhunuchi is

A dhunuchi is a clay vessel with a broad, open bowl on a short stem or base. It is filled with dried **coconut husk** (*narkel chhobra*), which smoulders steadily, and fed with **dhuno**, a resin, traditionally from the sal tree, that throws up thick, sweet-smelling white smoke. Offering incense and smoke is part of the arati itself; the dance grows out of that offering.

## How it is danced

There is no single fixed choreography. The dancer holds the dhunuchi in one hand, sometimes one in each hand, and moves to the dhak's rhythm, swaying, turning, bending and raising the burner towards the goddess. Skilled dancers hold a dhunuchi in their teeth or balance one on the head while dancing with two more. The smoke, the drumming, the conch shells and the lamp-lit idol make it one of the most atmospheric sights of the festival.

The dancers follow the **dhaki** (drummer), and the dhaki follows them; the rhythms change and quicken as the arati builds. Read about the drummers on our [dhak and dhaki](/durga-puja/dhak-and-dhaki/) page.

Traditions differ. In some family pujas it is mostly the men of the household who dance; in many community pujas women, men and older children take turns, and some pujas hold friendly dhunuchi naach competitions.

## Where and when to see it

- **Time:** at the evening arati, whose time varies by puja and by the tithi. Ask the organisers, or simply arrive early in the evening and wait.
- **Days:** Saptami, Ashtami and Navami; Navami is the most intense. See [Navami](/durga-puja/rituals/navami/).
- **Places:** neighbourhood and traditional pujas such as [Bagbazar](/guide/pandals/bagbazar/), [College Square](/guide/pandals/college_square/) and [Md. Ali Park](/guide/pandals/md_ali_park/) are good bets, as are the old [bonedi bari pujas](/durga-puja/bonedi-bari-pujas/).

## Safety tips

The dhunuchi holds burning embers. A few simple precautions keep the dance joyful:

- **Heat.** The clay gets very hot. Hold it by the stem or base, and use a folded cloth if needed.
- **Clothing and hair.** Loose sari ends, dupattas, scarves and long hair can catch fire. Tuck them in or tie them back.
- **Space.** Dance only where there is room, away from children, decorations and dense crowds. Organisers often clear a space; respect it.
- **Embers.** Burning husk can fall out. Keep water or sand nearby, and never leave a dhunuchi on cloth or a wooden floor.
- **Smoke.** The smoke is thick. If you have asthma or another breathing condition, watch from a distance.
- **Spectators:** stand back from the dancers, don't push in for photographs, and keep children close.

## Related reading

The arati that frames the dance is part of each evening's rites; see [Saptami](/durga-puja/rituals/saptami/), [Ashtami](/durga-puja/rituals/ashtami/) and the [full ritual sequence](/durga-puja/rituals/). For a night out, plan with our [pandal hopping tips](/durga-puja/pandal-hopping-tips/).

## Frequently asked questions

**What is a dhunuchi?**
A dhunuchi is a clay incense burner with a wide bowl on a short stem or handle. It is filled with dried coconut husk, which burns slowly, and sprinkled with dhuno, a resin that gives off thick, fragrant white smoke.

**When is dhunuchi naach performed?**
At the evening arati (sandhya arati) of the main puja days, usually Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. Navami night, the last night of the puja, is when it is most intense. Many pujas also hold dhunuchi naach competitions.

**Who can do dhunuchi naach?**
Anyone at many community pujas: men, women and older children dance it, often taking turns. At family pujas it is usually the household who dance. Ask the organisers before joining in.

**Is dhunuchi naach dangerous?**
It can be, because the dhunuchi holds burning embers and gets very hot. Hold it with a cloth if needed, keep clear of saris, dupattas and hair, and don't dance in a packed crowd or near children.