What Is Dhuno Porano? Exploring The Age-Old Ritual And Its Significance During Durga Puja

Durga Puja festivities have commenced in India, with the inaugural day observed with great enthusiasm on Friday, October 16, 2026. A longstanding Bengali Hindu tradition linked to Durga Puja is the Dhuno Porano ritual, wherein devotees offer prayers to Goddess Durga while partaking in the burning of incense and aromatic substances. This age-old practice holds religious and cultural importance, especially among Bengali women, who perform the ritual as a demonstration of devotion, faith, and gratitude towards the goddess.

The phrase "Dhuno Porano," also known as "Dhuno Pora," originates from the Bengali terms "dhuno," denoting aromatic incense or resin burned during religious ceremonies, and "porano," which signifies burning. To partake in this ritual, incense, typically burned with coconut husk or charcoal, is placed within an earthen pot or a comparable container to create fragrant smoke.

On the eve of Durga Ashtami, Kolkata's bonedi bari Pujas will witness a lesser-known Dhuno ritual grounded in the concept of invoking shakti (power) through fire. In this ritual, women lead the way by holding the vessels in their hands, placing them on their palms, or setting them on their heads while reciting prayers. Care must be taken, as the vessels can become dangerously hot.

In Balurghat, West Bengal, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar inaugurated one of the city's oldest Durga Puja celebrations during the festive season.

The significance of Dhuno Porano during Durga Puja lies in its association with devotion, purification, and the creation of a sacred atmosphere. In Hindu religious traditions, the fragrant smoke is believed to purify the surroundings and help devotees concentrate their minds during worship. It is customary for the person performing the ritual to observe a fast until it is completed.

This ritual is often carried out during the festive period as part of household or community worship, reflecting the strong bond between religious customs and Bengali cultural identity.

Dhuno Porano, beyond its religious significance, embodies the preservation of traditional customs handed down through generations. It symbolizes the deep emotional and spiritual connection devotees share with Goddess Durga during the annual festival.