The dhunachi has a flared shape and is held by a stem with a large cavity at the top, and is traditionally made of earthenware. When made of brass or silver, it needs a longer handle because of the heat. It is lit by placing burning coal at the bottom, which ignites a layer of slow-burning coconut husk, on which incense usually resin like Indian Frankincense is sprinkled. During the Durga puja in eastern India, it is common to have dhunuchi nritya, or a frenzied dance with the censer.