Oppana (Malayalam: ഒപ്പന)
is a popular form of social entertainment among the Mappila (Kerala
Muslims) community of Kerala, South India,
prevalent throughout Kerala, especially in Malappuram.[1] The Malayalam word 'Oppana
Pattu' is the derivation of the Tamil word 'Oppanai Pattu'. In Tamil,
'Oppanai' means make up.[2] Oppana was originated on
the occasion of make of Muslim brides.[clarification
needed]Oppana
is extinct in Tamil Nadu. But in Kerala, this art form
has been revived with much popularity on the performing stages of the Youth
Festivals of the student community.
Oppana, a dance form among the
Mappila community
Oppana is generally presented by
females, numbering about fifteen, including musicians, on a wedding day. The
bride dressed in all finery, covered with gold ornaments and her palms and feet
adorned with an intricately woven pattern of mylanchi (henna), sits amidst the circle of
dancers. She is the chief spectator sitting on a peetam (chair), around which
the singing and dancing take place. While they sing, they clap their hands
rhythmically and move around, the bride using simple steps. Two or three girls
begin the songs and the rest join in chorus.[3]
Sometime Oppana is also presented
by males to entertain the bridegroom. It usually takes place just before the
bridegroom leaves for the bride's residence where the Nikah (marriage)
takes place or at the time he enters the Maniyara.[4]
Harmonium, tabla, ganjira and elathaalam are
the musical instruments employed for this performance. Only the Mappilapaattu will
be sung on the occasion.
The word Oppana may have been
derived from an Arabic form, Afna.
There are two types of Oppana, one is Oppana chayal and
another is Oppana murukkam. When Oppana chayal is
performed, they do not clap their hands. If it begins with Chayal it
would also end with Chayal only.
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