Oppana the unique Muslim wedding dance in Kerala
Unni Mohanadas
Culture, ERP for tour operators, Event, India, Kerala, onlinetouroperatorsoftware, Tourbeetle, Touroperatorsoftware
0
Oppana is a dance form practiced among Mappilas (the muslims) of Kerala. The term Oppana is supposed to be originated from Arabic word Affna – means two hands are stretched to one side and closing the palms together
History of Oppana
- The special type of play in connection with the marriage of Arabic ladies could have influenced Oppana
Costumes of Oppana
- Women dancers wear traditional Muslim attire of Kachi Mundu, Thattam , Blouse
- Bangles, necklaces, mehndi,rings, kajol etc are used
Music and instruments used for Oppana
- Musical instruments used are :
- Harmonium
- Tabla
- Ganjira and
- Elathaalam
- The rhythm and song has been evolved from Mappila community
- Clapping of hands also add to the music
- The content of songs include birth and early life of prophet Mohammed
Techniques in Oppana
- The bride is seated in a chair in the center
- The maids dance around the bride teasing her
- Leader starts singing oppana chal and it is repeated by others.
- Once singers start Oppana Murukkam ,clapping start
- The singers are supplied with betel leaf and oppana performance ends
Where to see Oppana
- It’s common in Muslim weddings in Kerala
- Now other than weddings, it can be seen at circumcision and ear boring ceremonies etc
- Can also be seen in Youth festivals as a competition item
Photo courtesy: By Shagil Kannur – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85805504
Content Courtesy:
https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/54172/14/14_chapter%207.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppana