Attan is a traditional Pashtun dance that has pre-Islamic Zoroastrian roots. It originated in ancient Iran among the Pashtun tribes who migrated to and settled in what is now Eastern Afghanistan. Some historians believe Attan existed as far back as 2,000 BCE as a sacred ritual dance like the Khorasan samah that summoned strength from the sun. During the Islamic period, Attan evolved into a warrior dance that was performed before leaving for battle. In Iranian folklore, King Yama instructed his a