Duffmuttu
Duffmuttu is an art form practiced by the Muslims of the Malabar region of Kerala, as part of their social events, festivals and religious occasions.
The duff is a percussion instrument made of wood with ox skin stretched over it. The male performers, numbering about six, stand or sit in a semicircle, and sing songs which are in praise of saints, martyrs or god. The leader sings the songs and the rest form the chorus. They move in a circle with simple steps and drum on the duff to the rhythm of the song, with their fingers.
This art form is believed to have originated in Saudi Arabia where it was sung on the paddy fields. It is a very popular form of entertainment today and is an important performance item in youth festivals in Kerala.