Dhunuchi Nritya
{{Short description|Type of dance}}
{{Infobox dance
| name = Dhunuchi Nritya
ধুনুচি নৃত্য
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| image = Traditional Dhunuchi Dance.jpg
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| genre = Folk dance
| signature =
| instruments = Dhak
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| origin = Bengal region
}}
Dhunuchi Nritya or Dhunuchi Naach is a Bengali traditional dance. This devotional dance is performed during Hindu puja and aarti ceremonies in Bengal.{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Ishika |title=Durga Puja 2024: Why ‘dhunuchi naach’ is an integral part of the festivities |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/art-and-culture/durga-puja-2024-why-dhunuchi-naach-is-an-integral-part-of-the-festivities-9604726/ |work=The Indian Express |date=15 October 2024 |location=New Delhi |quote=Decked in festive finery, the Bengali community comes together five days a year to pay respect to Goddess Durga and revel in the festivities and food during the annual Durga Puja celebrations. But, pujo celebrations are incomplete without the rhythmic beats of the dhaak, on which the devotees sway while holding a dhunuchi, as they perform the dhunuchi naach.}}
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.{{cite news |first1= |title=Durga Puja: What is Dhunuchi Naach? |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/durga-puja-2018-dhunuchi-naach-significant-1502693696.html |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=The Statesman |date=6 October 2018 |location=New Delhi}}{{cite news |last1=Roy |first1=Ishita |title=Durga Puja 2024: How Women Claimed Their Space In A Male-Dominated Ritual Of Dhunuchi Dance |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/people/durga-puja-2024-how-women-claimed-their-space-in-a-male-dominated-ritual-of-dhunuchi-dance-article-114058100 |access-date=17 October 2024 |work=Times Now |date=9 October 2024}}
Dance
Dhunuchi Nritya is deeply associated with Durga Puja, which is traditionally performed by men. Women are now increasingly taking an active part in traditionally masculine dances. 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-panjabi for men; Dhoti can be white or colored but Kurta-panjabi is of different colors.
= 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.
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Culture of Bengal}}
{{Culture of West Bengal}}
{{Dance in India}}