Dhunuchi Nritya

Dhunuchi Nritya or Dhunuchi Naach, is a Bengali traditional dance. This devotional dance is performed during Hindu puja and aarti ceremonies in Bengal.
The dance is seen performed during Durga Puja by devotees, mainly Bengali Hindus. This dance celebrates Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura, which incorporates themes of victory and empowerment.

Dance

Dhunuchi Nritya is deeply associated with Durga Puja, traditionally performed by women. The dance is usually performed during the last days of Durga Puja, especially between “Ashtami” and “Dashami”.

Costumes

Both men and women usually wear traditional Bengali clothes while performing the Dhunuchi Nritya. The traditional dance-related dress for women is the garad sari, which Bengali Hindu women wear during puja or sacred religious ceremonies. Dhoti and Kurta-punjabi for men; Dhoti can be white or coloured but Kurta-punjabi is of different colours.

Music and instruments

Dhunuchi dance is mainly presented through musical instruments, song is not required. The main instrument is the Dhak, a traditional Bengali instrument. Also used are Kansor and Ghanta. Both instruments produce loud and heavy sounds. Dancers perform dances to the rhythm created by these loud sounds. It is also seen to carry Gamchas irrespective of men and women.