Most scholars believe the Attan has Zoroastrian roots, identifying the dance as a religious ceremony of early
Some … See more

To the accompaniment of drums and pipes the dancers form a circle, taking each other by the hand or preparing to revolve in circles of their own. The dance starts with slow steps that gradually get faster and faster until i… See more

Most essential instrument of course is the Dhol (Drum). But dohls vary by sizes, for some types the size is relatively small. The reason for that could be geographic but the distinction between dohls is apparent among the … See more

Performers often wear traditional regalia when participating in the lively dance. Usually during the celebratory occasions, men can also be seen wearing suits and ties for a more formal look. The women can be found w… See more

The Attan is performed differently in many of the different parts of Afghanistan and also Pakistan. Some styles of Attan portray themes of war while others portray celebration, especially for events such as marriage, e… See more

The women, colourfully clad in traditional (Firaq partug) dress, join in the dance. Often, women change into an Attan dress while the men remain in their original clothes at a wedding or gathering. In the past, music… See more

• Attan: Afghanistan's national dance
• Sample Attan Video from Afghanistan
• Attan in North Waziristan a tribal agency of Pakistan… See more