Raibenshe

Raibenshe (Bengali: রায়বেঁশে), alternatively, Raibeshe (Bengali: রায়বেশে), is a genre of Bengali folk martial dance performed by male only.¹ This genre of dance was once very popular in West Bengal. Presently, it is performed mostly in Birbhum,² Bardhaman and Murshidabad districts.

Traditionally, this dance involves vigorous and manly movements of the body along with the acrobatics of a raibansh (a long bamboo stick), from which its name originated.³ During the performance, the performers enact the actions of drawing a bow, throwing a spear and waving a sword.² The performers wear a brass anklet (nupur) on their right ankle. This dance is accompanied by dhols (drums) and Kanshis (cymbals).¹ This dance was traditionally performed by Bagdi community, who worked as the bodyguards of the landlords in medieval Bengal.³