Kushan dance
Kushan dance or "kushan nritya" or "kushan gaan" is a Rajbongshi folk drama form based on Krittivasi Ramayan. The artistes narrate the story of "Ramayan" in Kamtapuri or Rajbongshi language through musical verses. The Kushan folk theater is traceable to the 15th century when the Koch dynasty ruled Assam, West Bengal, and the current northern Bangladesh. The name, "Kushan", has its sources in the name "Kush", the second son of Sita. The men, called as "sokra" or "chokra", sing and dance during the performance. The primary performer is known as "mool" or "geedal" - he narrates the story and  the "doari," the jester, works as an intermediary between the "mool" and the audience through commentaries, observations, and jokes. "Bena", an instrument made of bamboo is used in the performances apart from "aar banshi" (bamboo flute), "mondira, sarinja, akhrai," violin, and harmonium. The performance starts with "ashar bandana," an auspicious song to seek the blessings of gods and goddesses.