Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Viral ‘Hattimatim Tim’ Rhyme Sparks Authorship Debate
A fun Bengali rhyme called 'Hattimatim Tim' became super popular on Instagram because of a cool dance video.
Lots of people started dancing to it, but some people wrongly said it was written by a famous writer named Sukumar Ray.
Actually, it's an old folk rhyme that has been passed down for generations, not written by anyone specific.
Experts say it's important to check facts before sharing things online to avoid spreading wrong information.
The Bengali rhyme 'Hattimatim Tim' went viral on Instagram due to a dance reel by tabla player Ratul Basak.
The rhyme's catchy tune inspired dance reels across India and abroad.
Misinformation spread, incorrectly attributing the rhyme to writer Sukumar Ray.
Experts clarified that 'Hattimatim Tim' is a folk rhyme, not authored by Sukumar Ray, and has been passed down orally for generations.
The rhyme's earliest recorded appearance is in 'Khukumanir Chhara,' published in 1899 by Jogindranath Sarkar.
- Who
- Bengali children and social media users
- What
- A traditional Bengali rhyme, Hattimatim Tim, went viral on Instagram, sparking a debate about its authorship
- When
- Recently, with the viral Instagram reel
- Where
- Originally from Bengal, India; viral on Instagram globally
- Why
- The rhyme's catchy tune and dance potential made it popular, but misinformation about its authorship also spread
- Rhyme Name
- Hattimatim Tim
- Original Language
- Bengali
- Viral Platform
- Creator of Viral Reel
- Ratul Basak (tabla player)
- Misattributed Author
- Sukumar Ray
- Actual Origin
- Folk rhyme, oral tradition
- Earliest Recorded Appearance
- Khukumanir Chhara (1899)
- Compiler of Early Collection
- Jogindranath Sarkar