Khattak Community

The Khattak community of Punjab performs significant dances of warlike nature around bonfires. At times more even more than two hundred men take part in the dance performance. The performers of these dances also include the dignified seniors from the Pathan villages who completely engage themselves to the wild fury of the dance. The enjoyment of the dance is such that even the piper and drummer who play the music get themselves emerged into the music. The role of the drummers is considered as one of most important factor in the success of the Khattak dance party. Dancers even refuse to perform if the drummers are insufficiently skilled in reproducing the appropriate rhythm required by their dances.

The dancers participate in duets dances performing sword-play that depicts the furious brandishing and swaying of weapons. This dance is performed with vigour displaying great skills. Gradually the partners return back into the circle of dancers and move around the bonfire while constantly pouring supplies of wood and oil. Between the intervals in the dance individual dancers come ahead in the ring, and present the most skilful acts of sword-play. A Khattak dance acts as a preliminary ceremony to a lingering feast in which sheep and goats are slaughtered. The mutton is roasted whole and consumed during the festivities.

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