Have you ever heard women suddenly make a high-pitched, rolling sound during Durga Puja and wondered what it means? In Bengal, this traditional sound is known as Ulu Dhwani or Uludhvani. It is commonly heard during religious celebrations, weddings and other auspicious occasions. The sound is a form of ululation, a vocal practice found in many cultures around the world. Traditional explanations sometimes connect it with victory, celebration and the driving away of negativity. But some popular stories go much further, claiming a direct connection between Bengal, the Middle East and ancient Egypt. The real history is more interesting when folklore and evidence are kept separate.
