douli

Douli, also spelled doli or dooli, is a traditional palanquin used in parts of the Indian subcontinent. In several languages, including Hindi and Punjabi, the term denotes a portable litter carried on poles by bearers and is most often associated with wedding ceremonies and ceremonial processions.

A douli typically features a wooden frame and a fabric-covered canopy, and may be fully enclosed or partially open. It is decorated with embroidery, paint, or decorative fittings. The litter is carried by four or more people, one at each end of the poles, with larger versions supported by additional bearers. The interior may be lined for comfort and privacy. In many communities, the douli is used to transport a bride or other participants during important occasions.

Geographically, the practice is found across the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and parts of Nepal. In urban settings, traditional doli use has declined in favor of motorized transport or modern vehicles, but the practice persists in rural areas and in weddings that aim to preserve cultural heritage. The douli remains a symbolic element in ceremonies, often depicted in photography, film, and literature as a marker of tradition and festive procession.

See also: palanquin, sedan chair.