PukhtunWomen

Enjoy Samar Minallah's new video!

Attan, a pre-Islamic dance of the Afghans that has survived religious and political turmoil over thousands of years has become a symbol of Afghan and Pukhtun celebration. Performed both sides of the Durand line it holds great meaning to the performers, whether it is at a state level gathering or performed at a wedding or any other celebration. Different regions have developed their own signature style that is easily recognizable.

In these trying times when the Pukhtuns are fighting for the very things they hold sacred and believe in, the need for unity is greater than ever.
Samars beautifully choreographed video drives the entendre raison home.

With well known artists from both sides of the Durand line she has once again brought us a powerful message in the form of a beautiful melody of a popular folk song.

Funded by the Heinrich Boll Foundation, the credits for the concept of the song go to Marion Mueller, Samar and Semin Qasmi. With the help of poets Shafiullah Babarzai, Watandot, Fazel Rehman Wahdat, Homayoun Lali, Khan Zaman, Malang Baghban, and Wahed Nekzad Logari, the lyrics send a strong message of unity.

Samar has captured the beautiful rugged and tamed terrain of Afghanistan in picturesque video clips and stills by Casey Johnson, Luke Powell,Marion Muller and Samar, bringing them together to show the beauty of the land and its people. The attan dancersof Khoshal Khan High School Attan Group dancing with the beautiful mountains in the back ground completes the video.

Zarsanga
Dawood Hanif
Farishta
Homayoun Lali

Zarsanga
O Homeland!
My body and soul belong to you.
Dear country,
home of valiant youth.

Chorus
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round.
Come villagers,
let us enjoy the Nations dance!
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round.
Come villagers,
let us enjoy the Nations dance!
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round!
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round!

Dawood Hanif
Sweet Motherland,
O Beautiful Garden
You are everything to me.
Chorus
Zarsanga
O Fatherland,
I sing your praises.
Mothers sing the country's praises and pray
May your children never see the face of sorrow

Chorus
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round!.................

Homayoun Lali
Pushtun, Tajik and Hazara
Swing your arms everybody
Swing them round!
We are Uzbek and Turkmen brothers,
All are Afghan in this land

Farishta
My Country my Lucky star
My birth place my favourite place
You are my heart, you are sacred