Attan

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Attan is a traditional Pashtun/Afghan dance and the national dance of Afghanistan. The origins of Attan date back thousands of years to ancient times in Pakhtria (Bactria). Participants move in circles while clapping their hands to the rhythm and spinning around. The Atan is done differently in many of the different pakhtoon/pashtun tribes. Some styles of Atan portray themes of war while others portray celebration, especially for events such as marriage, engagements, family gatherings and also as a prelude to the arrival of spring. Performers often wear traditional, sequined Afghan dress. The Pashtun Attan has gone on to become the national dance of Afghanistan where it is performed by Pashtuns and Persians alike. Its duration differs from 5 minutes to 5 hours, it's a very popular dance especially by the Qandarays, Paktyakhels, and the habitants of Jelalabad. Daud Hanif and Baryalai Samadi are the most famous Attan singers. There was an Attan competition in Mississauga which was won by Mosa Nurzay kakar, the best youth leader award was won by Samir Nawabzadah Popalzay

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