About Raybenshe Dance

Raybenshe dance is a genre of Indian folk martial dance popular in West Bengal. Ray means royal, kingly and bans means bamboo. This dance is exclusively performed by men who belong to the Bauris, Domes and other depressed castes of the Hindu Community. Dance is a popular pastime and integral part of these communities and this dance reflects their way of life very closely. This folk dance form of West Bengal is remarkable for it’s varied expressions of military energy and depiction of martial arts. These dances serve as a reminder of the military prowess of the Bengali community. The khasi Tribe aids them by contributing rhythm to their dance along with playing the dhal also. In the earlier days, Ratbenshe dance was performed by Bagdi Community, who worked as bodyguards of the landlords in medieval Bengal. Presently, Raybensge dance is most commonly performed in the western regions of Birbhum, Burdwan and Murshidabad. Gurusaday Dutt, revived this Raybeshe folk dance in 1930. He had included this dance form in his creation of Bratachari Movement Worldwide