Ghatu (song) explained

Ghatu, Ghetu Gaan, or Ghetu Song is a type traditional cultural song of the Eastern Part of the Bangladesh.^[1] The songs were traditionally sung during the monsoon season, though the tradition is on the decline.^[2] The festival was mainly held in north-eastern side of Mymensingh and lower part of Sylhet in Bangladesh.^[3]

History

The first day of Bhadro (5th month of Bengali calendar) started on the eve of Bisharjan of Manasha (Bengali: মনসার ভাসান) and later celebrated on the day of Vijaya Dashami during the monsoon season.

The festival revolves around a teenage boy. The boy dresses in shari and grows out his hair, with the intent of resembling a girl. 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.

In popular culture

• The film Ghetuputra Komola by Humayun Ahmed was based on the life of a young Ghatu Singer.^[5]

Notes and References

1. Book: Varot kosh 3rd part (ভারত কোষ). Bongiyo Sahityo Porishod. Kolkata. 275. bn.
2. Book: Afsaruddin, Mohammad. Society and Culture in Bangladesh. 1990. Book House. 141. en.
3. Book: Bhattacharya, Asutosh. Banglar Loko Sahityo. 1962. Kolkata. bn.
4. Web site:

   Star Weekend Magazine ::

   . www.thedailystar.net. 2018-02-06.
5. News: Ghetu Putro Kamola. 2012-09-07. The Daily Star. 2018-02-06. en.