Performing Arts >Oppana

Oppana

Oppana is a dance form practised by Muslim women of the Malabar region of Kerala, especially the northern districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur. It usually forms part of the wedding festivities. The bride is decked in her bridal clothes and ornaments and is seated while her female friends and relatives, numbering around 15, sing songs and dance around her to the accompaniment of clapping and musical instruments like harmonium and tabla. A leader sings the songs and the rest act as the chorus. The dance is characterized by its simple but graceful steps. The theme of the songs, called mappilapattu, is the teasing of the bride about marital bliss, bridal aspirations and emotions.

In some households, men too perform the oppana at the bridegroom's place before he leaves for the bride's house for the nikah (wedding). The word oppana is believed to have originated from afna (meaning the branch of a tree in heaven).

This art form which is also a popular social entertainment is now regularly featured in stage shows and youth festivals too.

Source: www.malayalamresourcecentre.org www.mapsofindia.com

Contributed by: Neethu, CEE Kannur Field Office

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