Attan

What is Attan?

Attan is a group circle dance from the Pashtun people, now widely seen as the national dance of Afghanistan and also performed in Pakistan and parts of Iran. Dancers, men and women, form a circle and move to the beat of a drum, starting slowly and increasing speed until the dance becomes fast and intense. The dance can last from a few minutes to several hours, with clapping, arm movements, and sometimes spinning or hair flicking. Attan is performed at weddings, festivals, and social gatherings, and is marked by its energetic pace and communal spirit.

Where does Attan come from?

Attan is believed by most scholars to have roots in early Zoroastrian religious ceremonies, dating back nearly 3,000 years. According to folklore, the dance was performed by King Yama and his warriors to celebrate Nawroz and before going into battle. Over time, Attan became a symbol of unity and strength for the Pashtun people, used both in times of war and at celebrations. Some also link it to ancient Greek war dances, but its strongest ties are to the traditions of Afghanistan and the Pashtun regions.

How is Attan danced?

Dancers gather in a circle, holding hands or moving closely together. The music starts slowly and the steps are gentle at first, but the tempo increases steadily. Movements include clapping on the beat, raising and extending arms, and sometimes spinning or adding personal flourishes. Advanced dancers might add turns or double claps. The group must keep the circular path, and each dancer can express their own style within the structure. In some regional styles, props like handkerchiefs or swords are used, and men may flick their hair or perform squats and head snaps.

The music of Attan

Attan is accompanied mainly by the dohol, a double-headed drum, which sets the pace and rhythm. Pipes and singing may also be part of the music, especially in some regional styles. The music starts at a slow tempo and gradually speeds up, matching the increasing intensity of the dance. The drummer, called the Dum, can change the rhythm to suit the dancers, and sometimes the performers sing at the start before focusing on the movement as the pace quickens.

Costume and what is carried

Traditional attire is often worn for Attan. Men may wear turbans (lungi or patkya) and, for formal occasions, suits and ties. Women wear bright, colorful dresses, sometimes decorated with small mirrors that catch the light as they move. In some styles, men grow their hair long to flick during the dance, and may sport prominent mustaches or beards. Handkerchiefs, swords, and even guns can be used as props in certain regional versions.

When and where Attan is danced

Attan is performed at weddings, engagements, festivals like Nawroz, and other social or family gatherings. It has also been used historically before battle to inspire confidence among warriors. While traditionally men and women danced separately, mixed-gender dancing has become more common in urban settings since the 1970s. The dance is passed down within families and communities, with each region or tribe having its own style.

Styles of Attan

There are many regional and tribal styles of Attan, including Kabuli, Wardaki, Logari, Paktia, Khosti, Kandahari, and Herati. Each has its own steps, props, and movements. For example, Kochai Attan is performed by nomads and often uses handkerchiefs, while Khattak Attan includes swordplay. Some styles are more focused on war themes, others on celebration. Kabuli Attan is a modern version with fewer steps and is popular among non-Pashtun groups.

What Attan means

Attan is a symbol of Pashtun identity and unity, and is recognized as the national dance of Afghanistan. It brings people together at important life events and public celebrations. The dance has survived periods of war and social change, adapting to new settings and audiences. Its many styles reflect the diversity of the regions and tribes that perform it, and it remains a living tradition in both rural and urban communities.

Questions people ask about Attan

Good reading and sources

• Attan on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Attan on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo