Rubab: Life of the Pashtun culture

Dunya News

Being one of the few musical instruments that leave the listeners enchanted with its magical tunes, Rubab is considered one of the most important elements of Pashtun festivities. Photo: Dunya News

(Dunya News) – Having in it the spirit of Pashtu music, the traditional Pashtun musical instrument, Rubab, is something without which regional Pashtu music is not complete.

A lute-like instrument, Rubab, which originated from Afghanistan, got its name from the Arabic word ‘rebab’ that literally means ‘played with a bow’. Being one of the few musical instruments that leave the listeners enchanted with its magical tunes, Rubab is considered one of the most important elements of Pashtun festivities.


Rubab has again become popular among youngsters and are adapting to it as a new hobby. Photo: Dunya News


Once thought of as an art mastered only by professionals, Rubab-playing has now gradually started to gain popularity among the youth.

Now that playing Rubab is not considered disreputable, youngsters are seen adapting it as a new hobby. They say that Rubab is not only a vital part of the Pashtun heritage, but is also the face of Pashtu music, and so, they feel proud to be sticking to their culture.

Mastering the art of playing Rubab, youngsters other than professionals too, have now started to give a new life to one of the most vibrant parts of the Pashtun culture.

For more on this, watch a report by Dunya News.