Jamshedpur: At pandals across the Steel City, women devotees stepped forward to keep the traditional ‘dhunuchi dance’ alive, turning worship into a display of devotion and cultural memory.Performed to the rhythmic beats of the dhak, the dance sees devotees holding ‘dhunuchis’ that are filled with burning coconut husks, camphor and incense, while offering prayers to Goddess Durga. The tradition is a cherished part of Durga Puja for Bengali community members.At ‘The Milanee’, Jamshedpur’s oldest socio-cultural club, women gather every evening after ‘Sandhya aarti’. Dressed in traditional attire and dancing barefoot before the idol, they move through clouds of incense smoke. Experienced performers sometimes balance the incense burners between their teeth while dancing.The president of Milanee Durga Puja Committee, Probal Tarafdar, said the dance was becoming less common at many pandals and that the committee wanted future generations to learn the art form and understand its cultural significance.Gamharia resident Sulekha Pal said, “I enjoy performing the dhunuchi dance every year during Durga Puja. Dancing to the dhak beats while offering prayers to Goddess Durga gives me immense joy. It is a beautiful tradition that connects us to our Bengali culture, and I feel happy that we are keeping it alive in Jamshedpur.”Sunita Bhowmick, a resident of Ramdas Bhatta who dances at The Milanee every year, said, “I wait for Durga Puja every year because I love taking part in the dhunuchi dance. Dancing with the dhunuchi to the beats of dhaks in front of Maa Durga gives me a different kind of happiness and peace. It is also a way of expressing our devotion to the goddess.”Devotee Priti Lekha said the ritual was a way of worshipping Goddess Durga and brought peace and a deep sense of devotion.At Sonari Tarun Sangha Durga Puja, women perform the dance from Shashti to Navami after ‘Sandhya aarti’. Committee joint treasurer Sunit Bera said mostly women members participate every year, helping preserve the form of worship.The ritual draws families and visitors. Beldih Flats resident Dolon Paul said watching women dance to the dhak and visiting the pandal with her family helped them enjoy their traditions and remain connected to their culture.
