For Tanishaa S. Mukerji, Durga Puja is a beautiful blend of Bengali traditions, cultural heritage and ethnic elegance. While her exquisite handwoven sarees and traditional Bengali drapes reflected the festive spirit, the actress also embraced one of the celebration’s most cherished rituals — the Dhunuchi dance.
An integral part of Bengali Durga Puja festivities, the Dhunuchi dance is a devotional offering to Maa Durga, symbolising love, reverence and surrender to the goddess. Performed to the energetic, rhythmic beats of the traditional Bengali dhak, the ritual sees devotees dance with dhunuchis — traditional incense burners filled with burning coconut husk and fragrant incense. As clouds of smoke rise and dancers sway to the pulsating drumbeats, the performance becomes a powerful expression of faith and devotion, with the incense offered to the goddess during aarti. Blending spirituality, movement and community celebration, the Dhunuchi dance remains a deeply meaningful tribute to Maa Durga.