Bangladesh is a country famously known for its well preserved culture. The country still proudly holds most of its country’s ancient culture along the generations that passed. The country’s cultural history was brought to Bangladesh from its early inhabitants who through the generations carried in the many cultural diversities and cultural groups of the country. One of the country’s well-preserved ethnicity is the Bangladeshi’s cultural dance. The country’s cultural dances are common to the Middle Eastern dances. These cultural dances are associated with weddings and certain activities like harvesting, planting, fishing and others which mirrors the Bangladeshi’s way of life. Most cultural dances of Bangladesh are performed in singles or more commonly in groups. These dances are often accompanied be singing. There are some dances wherein the dancers sing and dance at the same time, depending on the occasions. These cultural dances of Bangladesh come together with other religious and social dances.

Chhau dance is a form of masked dance performed in the western regions of Bengal. It is a martial arts dance wherein the dancers wear attires together with swords and shields. Each dancers portray different characteristics and roles such as gods, demons and animals. It is more like a dance role playing. Chhau dance can be performed during any occasions. Chhokra dance is performed by young Bangladeshi boys portraying the roles of women. The dance is presented in an open field preferably in a canopied stage. The Chhoka dance is accompanied by a large team of singers and musicians who are commonly seated on the sides of the stage.

Lathi dance is a stick dance performed during the Muharram celebration which is the “Sacred month” of the Islam. This is celebrated during the fist month of the Hegira or the Islamic calendar. This dance is performed by youth groups that wear tight-fitted clothes and carry daggers, swords and cymbals. Kali dance is performed by a dancer wearing a black mask and representing the character of the goddess Kali who is a Hindu goddess which is said to be associated with eternal powers. Kali is known to be the goddess of time and change. The drum is the main instrument being played during the Kali dance.

Ghatu dance is performed with accompanying Ghatu songs which are Bangladesh native folk songs. The name Ghatu was derived if the name Ghat which means ‘river bank’. The Ghatu dance was mainly for entertainment and is not a religious dance. This is a form of dance performed by young boys dressed like girls which are the main attraction of the dance. There are other numerous cultural dances in Bangladesh. These dances each are very entertaining and fun to watch. Dances are still being performed these days, which is one of the main attractions in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is rich with cultural resources and is one of the countries having the most number of well kept cultural materials in the world. The country’s collections of ancient artifacts that came from the ruins of many of the historical places in Bangladesh are reserved inside the country’s museums and galleries. Being a country with a number of museums, here are the top 4 of these which are mostly visited by tourists and travelers from around the world:

The Bangladesh National Museum – located in Shahbagh, Dhaka. This museum was built in1913 with four different departments with a total of forty galleries. The museum has the collections of different ancient stones and metal sculptures. Bangladesh National Museum also displays the country’s collection of old coins, silvers and other metal art works. There are also exhibits of the country’s textiles including the famous muslin fabric. Here, one can also find a vast collection of ancient paintings and handicrafts. Bangladesh National Museum is open daily except on Thursdays.

Mukti Juddho (Liberation War) Museum – located in Segunbagicha, in the city of Dhaka. This museum holds the scarce photographs of Bangladesh’s liberation war items that were used by the unsung heroes of the country’s glorious war. Visitors are always welcome to visit the museum for them to see the treasured historical pieces they have. The museum is open daily except during Sundays.

Ahsan Manjil Museum – sited in Old Dhaka, in the Buriganga’s river bank. This museum was once the home of the Nawabs who were the Rulers of Dhaka. The residence was later made into museum. This Victorian style fort is brightly painted in pink. This museum holds the ancient portraits, furniture, utensils and a collection of household articles used by the Nawabs during their occupation here.

Folks Arts Museum – located at Snagoan, Dhaka. This museum was built in 1975 fulfill the wish of the famous painter, Shilpacharya Zainul Adebin. This museum is the home of the country’s cultural heritage. Exhibiting the Bangladesh’s traditional and uniquely designed artworks.