Attan () is the national dance of Afghanistan. It is a traditional dance originating from the tribal Pashtun regions of Afghanistan and North Western Pakistan. Some believe it has spiritual roots connecting it to Zoroastrianism. Others link the dance to the British occupation and the Pashtun resistance movement, when Pashtuns used the dance to instil confidence and energy among warriors readying to battle the colonisers. The Attan was also conducted by Pashtuns in times of war or during weddings or other celebrations (engagements, weddings and informal gatherings). It is now considered the national dance of Afghanistan, popularly carried by other ethnic groups in Afghanistan as well as by the Pashtun ethnic group in Pakistan. The traditional Attan is a special type of dance performed by a troupe of Pashtun tribesmen who would wave swords (Khattak tribe) or guns (Mehsud tribe) oelr scarves in the air while drummers beat drums. They move around in a present circle whilst twirling aligned with the drum beat. Depending on the region and tribe, there are different methods and styles of the Pashtun attan, for example Paktia attan and styles. Attan is performed traditionally segregated although in modern times, Afghans have performed the dance with both men and women. Origin Attan is a traditional Pashtun dance. It is said to have Pre-Islamic roots, some identify Attan as a religious ceremony of early Zoroastrianism. According to folklore's King Yama, a figure in Iranian mythology, celebrated Nawroz by performing an Attan with his warriors. Closely related circle dances can be found in the Khorasan and Sistan and Baluchestan provinces of Iran., commonly known as Chapi or Torbati there ("رقص خراسانی"or "رقص سیستانی"). Attan is usually performed with a Dohol, which is a double-headed barrel drum. The dance can be anywhere from 5 to 30 minutes long. There are many different regional and tribal variations of Attan, the most famous being Wardaki, Logari, Paktia, Khosti, Kandahari, and Herati. During King Yama's time, Attan was performed before going to war because it used to give the army the confidence that they could win the battle. As well as being the national dance of Afghanistan, attan is also a very popular part of festivals, weddings, and other forms of celebrations. Movement 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