Leto Gan

Leto Gan a variant of jatra, combining dialogue, song, dance, music, and usually performed in the Burdwan area of west bengal. Leto performers are classified as sakhi (friend), sabgdar (clown), pathak (reader), and dancers. Adolescent boys perform the part of women. Leto themes include social activities and daily rural life as well as myths, legends, and historical figures and events. As a teenager, kazi nazrul islam belonged to a leto group and wrote Rajputrer Sabg, Chasar Sang, and Akbar Badsha in the leto style.

Each group in Leto contests is led by a Goda Kavi, the master poet. Leto sessions usually take place after finishing the winter harvest, when villagers have some respite from work. Leto gan is mainly popular among Muslims, although people of all religions enjoy it. [Wakil Ahmed]