Thumping maha final to Durga Puja celebrations

LUCKNOW: With an offering of 108 lotuses and the same number of diyas (earthen lamps) lighted to the rhythm of 'dhak' (drum) and shehnai, energy level was highest at puja pandals for the Mahanavami (ninth day) puja on Monday. The grand 'havan' was also organised at all pandals to conclude the Navami puja.
Dhunochi nach (dance) competition organised at the Puja Park in Rabindrapalli was another attraction.This dance is performed in front of the goddess with 'dhuno' (see box) in a mud pot held in the hands of the dancer.
Children, youngsters and adults, all tapped their feet to the beat of traditional dhak, kaansa, dhol and ghanti. The aroma of dhuno enlightened the Navami mood of devotees. "It is easy when it begins but gradually gets difficult with the fast beats of the dhak and kaansa. To handle the smoky dhuno for longer duration is challenging," said Sudopto Ghosh, a participant at the pandal. Over 30 people participated actively in the traditional dance competition.