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,[1] 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)[1] and 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]
