Not to be confused with
Ghatu, Nepali dance form.
Ghatu, Ghetu Gaan, or Ghetu Song is a form of traditional Bengali folk song, prevalent in the eastern part of Bangladesh.[1] The songs were traditionally sung during the monsoon season,[1] though the tradition is on the decline.[2] The festival was mainly held in north-eastern side of Mymensingh and the lower part of Sylhet in Bangladesh.[3]
History
The first day of Bhadro (5th month of the Bengali calendar) started on the eve of Bisharjan of Manasha[1] and was later celebrated on the day of Vijaya Dashami during the monsoon season.[3]
The festival revolves around a teenage boy. The boy dresses in shari and grows out his hair, with the intent of resembling a girl.[3] The very young boys were sexually abused, and that contributed to the decline of this form of music.[4] During the festival he plays the role of pantomime by dancing or otherwise representing the Ghatu song. The Ghatu songs are mainly oriented around Radha Krishna.[3]
In popular culture
References