On the eve of Durga Ashtami, some of Kolkata’s bonedi bari Pujas will witness a lesser-known dhuno ritual rooted in the idea of embracing shakti (power) through fire. And the women of the house will lead from the front.
Dhuno porana, a centuries-old Durga Puja custom passed down through generations, honours fire as a symbol of strength, purity and divine force.
The ritual is a breathtaking site that even many Bengalis may not have witnessed to date.
A woman, usually a member of the family that organises Durga Puja, sits in front of Maa Durga’s idol with earthen bowls placed on her head and both hands. Other family members place jute sticks, coconut coir, and camphor in the bowl and set it on fire. The bowls are then topped up with frankincense (dhuno).
The one performing this ritual is often draped in a white sari soaked in water to avoid burn injuries.
“This ritual is performed by the house’s daughters-in-law as a depiction of a mother's power and strength,” said Kaustav Sil of 170-year-old Chorebagan Sil Bari Durga Pujo and Dol Utsav.
“Once the ritual is done, sons and daughters sit on their mother's lap to offer prayers to the Goddess,” added Sil.
What particularly makes dhuno porano a challenging ritual is the heat from the fire.
“It is believed that the person performing the ritual endures the heat to seek blessings for her family and children,” Sil said.
The one performing the ritual has to fast until it is completed.
“Other family members seek blessings from the person undertaking the vow once the process is done,” said Swagnik Bhattacharjee, an ardent observer and a researcher in religious rituals.
In Kolkata, Chorbagan Silbari and Shibkrishna Daw Bari perform dhuno porano during Durga Puja. Pramanick Bari at Girish Park performs it during Kali and Jagaddhatri Puja.
Malopara Barowari is one of the rare community Pujas famous for the dhuno porano ritual during Jagaddhatri Puja.
It is widely believed that the ritual takes place only on the eve of Durga Ashtami, but some families perform it on other days of Puja as well, said Bhattacharjee.
“It varies from place to place. The ritual can be performed on Saptami, Navami, or Ashtami,” he added.