Attan (Pashto: اتڼ) is a traditional dance originating from the tribal Pashtun regions of Afghanistan and North Western Pakistan. It is now considered the national dance of Afghanistan. Some believe it has spiritual roots connecting it to Zoroastrianism. Others link the dance to the British occupation and the Pashtun resistance movement, when Pashtuns used the dance to instil confidence and energy among warriors readying to battle the colonisers.The Attan was also conducted by Pashtuns in times of war or during weddings or other celebrations (engagements, weddings and informal gatherings). It is now considered the national dance of Afghanistan,popularly carried by other ethnic groups in Afghanistan as well as by the Pashtun ethnic group in Pakistan.
The traditional Attan is a special type of dance performed by a troupe of Pashtun tribesmen who would wave swords (Khattak tribe) or guns (Mehsud tribe) oelr scarves in the air while drummers beat drums. They move around in a present circle whilst twirling aligned with the drum beat.
Depending on the region and tribe, there are different methods and styles of the Pashtun attan, for example Paktia attan and styles.
Attan is performed traditionally segregated although in modern times, Afghans have performed the dance with both men and women.
Video Credit: Qayyum Baloch
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