Dhunuchi Dance – Bengal

This dance is performed in honor of Durga in Bengal.

This solo dance is performed before the deity and the movement of hands and feet follows the beat of the drums – which may speed up as the dance progresses. Dancing solo, women may come together to coordinate their movements and from small groups.

And this becomes increasingly challenging as each carries a clay pot in which smouldering bits of coconut husk are carried in worship. With the movement, burning bits fall from the pot onto the floor and the barefooted dancers risk getting their feet burnt.

But onlookers clear these bits so in all the Dhunuchis that I’ve watched there has never been an accident.

Here is a small clip of the dance. The women in red were all wealthy Bengali guests at the boutique heritage hotel – they did not plan or practice this – it just came together naturally.