Dance In Bangladesh

When one waves one’s body parts with music through rhythm with proper expression is called dance.

There are many forms of dance in Bangladesh nowadays but the main dance is the Folk dance that is called Bangladeshi regional dance also. Except for folk dance, among 8 classical dance forms only 4 forms like Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Manipuri are practiced a lot in Bangladesh.

The 8 classical forms are–

1 Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu.

2 Kathak from Northern and Western India.

3 Kathakali from Kerala.

4 Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh.

5 Odissi from Odisha.

6 Manipuri from Manipur.

7 Mohiniyattam from Kerala

8 Sattriya from Assam

These classical dances are not owned by Bangladesh, these dance forms came from India but now these have been a part of Bangladesh.

Folk Dance



If we discuss on dance in Bangladesh, Folk dance is our main dance which has come from the different region of our country. Folk dance is easier than classical dance because it is simple and spontaneous. But classical dance requires long practice.

Folk Dance Video



Folk dance has been passing down from generation to generation. Artists have freedom in performing folk dance keeping the basic form same as a matter of tradition.

Folk dance can be performed singly or in groups. The group dance is mostly performed here in Bangladesh.

There are several sorts of dance in Bangladesh. like Damail, Baul, Gambhira, Jari, Dhali and Lathi, Chhorra, Ghatu, Khemta, Bede, Jele, Tribal, Fakir

Folk dances in Asian country square measure principally of 3 kinds: nonsecular, social and cultural.

Nonsecular dances add up alternative forms. Dances regarding kirtan, penance, Baul rites, Gambhira, Jari and Muslim rites square measure related to completely different non-secular beliefs and rituals. Dhali and Lathi dance square measure associated with the martial arts, whereas chakras, Ghatu, and Khemta dances offer recreation.

whereas some dances square measure influenced by Islamic beliefs and stories, others square measure impressed by Hindu myths and legends. Such dances attract participants and audiences principally from their several communities. However, some people dances have universal charm.

For example, whereas kirtan dance is enjoyed principally by Hindus, and Jari by Muslims, lathe or Dhali dances square measure enjoyed by each all. though chakras, Ghatu and Greco-Roman deity dances square measure principally patronized by Muslims, their performances entertain all alternative communities.[{(Know about other dance forms like Turfing dance and Quickstep dance.)}]

Dhamail Dance

Dhamail, the variant of Dhamal, could be a sort of popular music genre and dance originated in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

It’s practiced within the erstwhile district of Sylhet in the Asian country and in areas influenced by the Sylheti culture like Cachar, elements of Shillong, Karimganj and Hailakandi Districts of Assam, elements of Tripura in the Asian nation. It accompanies the utilization of mridanga, Kartals and lots of alternative musical instruments that square measure sometimes contend by the males whereas the dance is being performed.

This dance type is comparable to musical chairs, wherever one by one the dancers square measure removed by the dancers WHO will dance in no time because the beats set the speed. This dance type principally relates the love of Radha and Krishna and also the inner significance of this dance type is that the newlywed couple should unite their souls in such fashion.

The song and dance are principally performed by the womenfolk throughout marriages and alternative auspicious occasions. the women move in a circle, hand clapping their hands to the beat of the music. The songs square measure initial sung by the leader so the others be a part of the chorus. The lyrics principally relate to Shyam (Krishna) and Radha.

Step by step the beat/tempo will increase and at last reaches the crescendo. Breaks square measure then given so the women will have Paan and supari and/or tea. Sylheti popular music genre musician Radha Raman and Arkum Shah are cited as having introduced the Dhamail dance tradition in Sylhet region.

Baul dance

Baul dance forms a part of the nonsecular rites of Bauls. Baul songs square measure nonsecular in theme, and whereas singing these songs, Bauls at one stage begin performing arts in ecstasy. They hold associate ektara in their hand. Some wear Ghungur (a string of bells) spherical around their ankles. sometimes Baul dances square measure performed by people, however from time to time they conjointly perform duets or cluster dances at their Akhda.

Although whereas performing arts, Bauls shake their heads and locks of hair, or twirl around and move their arms and feet, there aren’t any ritualized gestures. The ektara plays an outstanding half within the dance, typically being command near the ears, typically high. This dance is principally fashionable in Kushtia and Jessore districts of Asian country and Burdwan and Birbhum districts of West Bengal.

Dhali dance

Dhali dance (literally, defend dance) enacts a duel between 2 men whose weapons are thickly plain-woven cane shields and bamboo sticks. Drums and brass cymbals offer the backup. the most objective of this dance is to show the dancers’ physical superior skill and martial skills.

To start out with, the 2 warriors face one another menacingly, in tune with the music, then launch their attacks and counterattacks either standing or moving. This mock war goes on till a climax is reached. Dhali dance is sometimes organized at folks fairs in Jessore and Khulna region.

Dhali dance (literally, defend dance) enacts a duel between 2 men whose weapons are thickly plain-woven cane shields and bamboo sticks. Drums and brass cymbals offer the backup.

The most objective of this dance is to show the dancers’ physical superior skill and martial skills. to start out with, the 2 warriors face one another menacingly, in tune with the music, then launch their attacks and counterattacks either standing or moving. This mock war goes on till a climax is reached. Dhali dance is sometimes organized at folks fairs in Jessore and Khulna region.

Fakir dance This dance is performed by the followers of Madar Pir on the occasion of his Urs. hairy devotees, sporting long, loose clothes, gather at the Pir’s sepulture at the top of Chaitra (March-April) and burn candles and incense.

A bamboo, draped in red with a fly-whisk on high, is devoted to the Pir as his image. One follower carries the bamboo on his shoulder; others follow him. They wear bells spherical around their ankles. A fireplace is lit and meat is burnt on that as providing to the Pir. The devotee’s dance around the hearth, swaying their heads to the beat of the music.

Gambhira Dance

Gambhira dance This dance accompanies Gambhira songs and wont to be quite fashionable within the Maldah district of the undivided geographic area. although not as fashionable these days because it was in the past, it continues to be performed in Rajshahi.

The dance is performed by a try of artists, one acting the role of a nana (maternal grandfather) and therefore the different from that of his Nati (grandson). Through their salvation and singing, they critique up to date social, political, economic and ethical issues. The dialogue is in each prose and verse. there’s a chorus that repeats the refrain of the song.

The most musical accompaniments are the reed organ, flute, drum, and Judi. The Gambhir dance, with its mixture of dialogue, dance, songs, and music, resembles folks play. whereas the chorus sings the refrain, the nana and Nati dance, with the Nati sporting a string of bells spherical his ankles. In Maldah, the artists wear masks.

Ghatu dance

Ghatu dance This dance accompanies Ghatu songs. it’s no non-secular or social contents, its object being entire to entertain the audience. One or additional teenage boys dressed as ladies kind its main attraction. The songs have sometimes supported the story of Radha and Krishna. One person sings whereas the others dance.

Dances also are supported by fashionable love stories. The drum, cymbals, the flute and therefore the sarinda are the most musical instruments. lately, the reed organ is additionally used. The dance goes on for long hours of the night. now and then the dance becomes quite vulgar, that is why Ghatu sessions are sometimes commanded outside inhabited localities.

Ghatu dance This dance accompanies Ghatu songs. it’s no non-secular or social contents, its object being entire to entertain the audience. One or additional teenage boys dressed as ladies kind its main attraction. The songs have sometimes supported the story of Radha and Krishna. One person sings whereas the others dance.

Dances also are supported by fashionable love stories. The drum, cymbals, the flute and therefore the sarinda are the most musical instruments. lately, the reed organ is additionally used. The dance goes on for long hours of the night. now and then the dance becomes quite vulgar, that is why Ghatu sessions are sometimes commanded outside inhabited localities.

Ghatu dance This dance accompanies Ghatu songs. it’s no non-secular or social contents, its object being entire to entertain the audience. One or additional teenage boys dressed as ladies kind its main attraction. The songs have sometimes supported the story of Radha and Krishna. One person sings whereas the others dance. Dances also are supported by fashionable love stories.

The drum, cymbals, the flute and therefore the sarinda are the most musical instruments. lately, the reed organ is additionally used. The dance goes on for long hours of the night. now and then the dance becomes quite vulgar, that is why Ghatu sessions are sometimes commanded outside inhabited localities.

Among the Kishoribhajan, a Vaishnava sub-sect, teenage ladies sing bhajans and dance. it’s potential that Ghatu songs and dances supported the story of Radha and Krishna, were influenced by the Kishoribhajan. lately, Ghatu dances are performed on fashionable stages at Kishoreganj and Netrokona.

Jari dance

Jari dance This dance accompanies jari singing and is sometimes performed by shi’ah Muslims. it’s organized throughout Muharrum and recounts the mournful death of Imam Hossain at Kerbela. regarding 8-10 youths kind a jari dance cluster. The leader of the cluster is termed Ustad and therefore the others Dohar. The dancers wear everyday clothes, however, tie red handkerchiefs spherical their wrists and browse.

In some areas, they conjointly wear strings of bells spherical around their ankles. The Ustad plays the Chati and generally, the Dohars play the Jharni, made from bamboo, carry on} the rhythm and keep up the beat. In some places, the beat is maintained by approval. The Ustad stands within the center and sings. The Dohars move in a very circle him, singing the refrain of the song. The dancers categorical their grief by the movements of their heads, hands, and feet.

Jari dance performances begin with the watching of the Muharrum moon. Jari teams go around totally different homes in the village. they’re paid money or given some food for his or her performances. On Ashura, the assorted dance teams assemble at an area selected as Kerbela for a final performance.

Jari dance This dance accompanies jari singing and is sometimes performed by shi’ah Muslims. it’s organized throughout Muharrum and recounts the mournful death of Imam Hossain at Kerbela. regarding 8-10 youths kind a jari dance cluster. The leader of the cluster is termed Ustad and therefore the others Dohar.

The dancers wear everyday clothes, however, tie red handkerchiefs spherical their wrists and browse. In some areas, they conjointly wear strings of bells spherical around their ankles.

The Ustad plays the Chati and generally, the Dohars play the Jharni, made from bamboo, carry on} the rhythm and keep up the beat. In some places, the beat is maintained by approval. The Ustad stands within the center and sings. The Dohars move in a very circle him, singing the refrain of the song. The dancers categorical their grief by the movements of their heads, hands, and feet.

Jari dance performances begin with the watching of the Muharrum moon. Jari teams go around totally different homes in the village. they’re paid money or given some food for his or her performances. On Ashura, the assorted dance teams assemble at an area selected as Kerbela for a final performance.

Kali dance

Kali dance This dance is performed with the dancer sporting a black mask depicting the deity Kali, along with her characteristic projecting ruby-red tongue. The dancer holds a sword in one hand and an individual’s bone within the different. The drum is that the main device for this dance, that conveys each valiancy and cruelty.

Kali dance This dance is performed with the dancer sporting a black mask depicting the deity Kali, along with her characteristic projecting ruby-red tongue. The dancer holds a sword in one hand and an individual’s bone within the different. The drum is that the main device for this dance, that conveys each valiancy and cruelty.

Khemta dance

Khemta dance accompanies Khemta songs, that are supported by the story of Radha and Krishna. Drums and cymbals kind the musical instruments. Khemta dances could also be performed on any occasion, and, at just once, were fashionable at weddings and pujas.

Basically, this is often a women’s dance, however in some areas, eunuchs are related to it and it’s the United Nations agency are still keeping this art alive. Khemta dances are defined by advanced foot movements and meaningful expressions of the eyes and therefore the face. This fun dance could also be known as the agricultural version of the urban dance of baijis or skilled ladies dancers.

Lathi dance

Lathi dance a stick dance performed throughout Muharram by teams of youths. Drums and brass cymbals square measure accustomed maintain the rhythm and tempo. The youths wear snug clothes and conjointly every now and then the strings of bells spherical their ankles.

In their hands, they carry bamboo sticks regarding four or 5 feet long. They conjointly carry swords, daggers, and cymbals. The club dance is [*fr1] dance and [*fr1] sport. With sticks and swords in their hands, the youths demonstrate their valorousness by means of a mock battle.

They deftly whirl their sticks, moving them to the front or to the edges, then below their legs or over their heads in time to the music. The fierce clashes of the sticks produce a battle scene. The percussionist plays a vital role during this dance, guiding the moves, tempo, and rhythm of the dancers. This dance is split into many sections: Associate in Nursing introduction, totally different warlike stances, the fight, resolution, and rest.

The tempo is slow ab initio, however, picks up and ends on a crescendo. For the primary 10 days of Muharram, the club players demonstrate their art within the courtyards of homes, at cross sections of roads and eventually at the mock metropolis ground.

Mask dance

Mask dances The gods Shiva, Dharma Thakur and nada square measure loved throughout the last days of Chaitra. On the occasion of those pujas, dancers, sporting masks depicting totally different gods and goddesses, gift songs and dances.

Within the bola dance, cloaked dancers demonstrate a stiff being devoured by vultures. within the nursing dance, cloaked dancers depict Hindu deity in his fourth incarnation as a lion. In north Bengal, there’s a cloaked dance known as Mukha Khel that villagers create their own masks with wood, cloth, paper etc. Characters vary from kings and ministers to normal farmers and woodcutters.

Throughout droughts, the Rajbangshi girls of le mandarin perform a ceremonial dance throughout that they worship Huduma Deo, the rain god. They kinda gaggle and leave the fields at nighttime. There they perform a puja to Huduma Deo. Then they undress, dance and sing.

Puppet dance

Puppet dance it’s not proverbial however recent the tradition of puppets dances is in Bengal. the primary relevance of puppets is, however, found in Yusuf-Zuleika, a fifteenth-century epic. There square measure 3 styles of puppets in Bengal: rod puppets, string puppets, and glove puppets.

The performer manipulates string puppets with strings in order that the puppets seem to be the diversion. because the musicians play their drums, cymbals, and flutes, Associate in Nursing creative person sings a song and makes the puppets, dance to replicate the mood of the song.

Rod puppets and string puppets square measure accustomed gift Palagan or narrative plays, sometimes on the stories of Radha-Krishna and Rama-Sita. Such plays also are composed of modern social events. the first purpose of those plays is informative. However, they’re conjointly extremely diverting. In the province, rod puppets square measure still stands within the twenty-four Parganas and string puppets in Nadia.

Glove puppets dance as a male-female try. Some folks of the Kahar category in Midnapore and Burdwan of province earn their living through puppet dances. Associate in Nursing performing artist holds a puppet in every hand and sings whereas creating the puppets dance. whereas stories from the Purana square measure standard, the main focus is on their amusement price, not their nonsecular significance.

In the past, puppet dances accustomed be organized at a child’s Anna pra Shana or at weddings. Puppet dances were quite standard in north Bengal, Mymensingh, and Comilla, however, when partition this genre suffered a reverse as several Hindu artists left for the province. lately solely one or two of families in Brahmanbaria create a living out of this art.

Raybenshe dance

Raybenshe dance a warlike dance almost like club dance. The dancers carry poles of sturdy bamboo called ray banish. the soldiers conjointly use swords and spears. each Hindus and Muslims participate in this dance that was chiefly standard in Burdwan, Birbhum, and Murshidabad. the most attraction of this dance lies within the manual dexterity with that artists use their hands.

Tribal dance



People danced to lull or defeat evil spirits, to stop decay and diseases, to cause precipitation for the production of crops, or to stop drought or famine. With the evolution of society, human activities have undergone several changes leading to variations in dance designs. totally different tribes like MANIPURIs, SANTALS, ORAONs, MURONGs, CHAKMAs, Garros, KHASIAs, Kochas, HAJONGs etc, sleep in the plain land and unsmooth regions of East Pakistan.

Though some changes have taken place within the sustenance, nonsecular beliefs and lifestyles of a number of these tribes, there has been no radical amendment in their means of life. Even nowadays grouping fruits and roots from the jungle, looking and Jhum cultivation still be the most sources of their sustenance and that they still tend to follow their ancestors in their numerous nonsecular and cultural festivals.

Most tribes perform in dances, songs and music on nonsecular festivals, births, deaths, wedding ceremonies, and different festivities. They perform dances severally or conjointly, in ancient dresses, alongside their own songs. they create their own musical instruments. Their dances square measure named when their tribes, eg Santal dance, Garo dance, MANIPURI DANCE etc.

They perform dances not solely on the occasion of construction of homes, cultivation, and fishing, however conjointly to celebrate the creation of man. They perform dances wanting precipitation in a time of drought, supplicatory divine influence then. The Khasias say “The higher the dance, the higher the crop.” Musical instruments like the drum, madal (a quite tom-tom) and flute square measure typically used as accompaniment.

The bamboo-dance of the Chakmas is extremely standard. domestically it’s called Cheralam. in this dance 2 teams of men or girls hold 2 bamboos on both sides of the cluster of dancers. They produce a lilting sound by putting pairs of bamboos. The dancers hop within the areas between the 2 bamboos in lilting unison, taking care to leap before the bamboos clash. Unless the dancers square measure terribly nimble, they stand to induce badly hurt.

Modern dance



Besides folk and classic some other forms are also practiced in Bangladesh like Hip-hop, Salsa, B-Boying, and Indian Film dance mean Free Style Modern.

(Shahinul Islam Uzzal)