Raibenshe dance at Motijhil, Murshidabad during Murshidabad Heritage Festival 2023Bambo sticks were one of the swords of the self defence before the discovery of fire arms
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]
