Attan (Pashto) is a form of dance that originated in the Pashtun regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Attan began as a folk dance conducted by Afghans in the time of war or during wedding or other celebrations (engagement, new year and informal gatherings). Formerly a Pashtun ethnic dance, it is now considered the national dance of Afghanistan.
The performance of the attan dance in the open air has long been customary in the Afghan culture. Performed in a large circle to the accompaniment of drums and pipes, the dance begins slowly but grows in momentum for two or three hours without a break except for changes in tempo or changes in song. Its duration differs - anywhere from 5 to 25 minutes.
Outfits
Performers often wear traditional, sequined Afghan dress or regional Pakistani dresses in Pakistan (Pashtun, Baloch or Potohari).
