Pune's Durga Puja Celebrations Ignite Passion with Mesmerizing Dhunuchi Dance

As the Durga Puja festivities in Pune reach their climax, the air is thick with the scent of incense and the palpable anticipation of the dhunuchi naach, a fiery devotional dance that marks the occasion. On the evening of September 30th, 2025, dancers step forward, carefully balancing earthen burners filled with smouldering coconut husk and camphor. As fragrant smoke gracefully coils upward, the performers begin to sway and spin, signaling the start of this captivating ritual.

The dhunuchi naach is a testament to the timeless victory of good over evil, with dancers skillfully maneuvering the incense burners on their palms or even clenching them between their teeth, moving to the relentless, hypnotic rhythm of the drums. This profound ritual of surrender and triumph draws both participants and onlookers into a shared, powerful moment of faith.

In Pune, the dhunuchi naach has evolved into one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of the Durga Puja celebrations. Men and women of all ages enthusiastically join in, transforming devotion into a joyous, public spectacle. Some pandals even host spirited competitions, where grace, stamina, and sheer style are celebrated, with crowds cheering excitedly as dancers whirl faster, the incense trailing glowing sparks that illuminate the night.