Oppana

Oppana
	Oppana at 2019 Kerala School Kalolsavam
Native name	ഒപ്പന
Etymology	Derived from an Arabic word Affna
Genre	Muslim dance form
Origin	Kerala, India

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 Malabar.^[1] The term Oppana is believed to be originated from the Arabic word "Affna".^[2] Oppana is traditionally used in various important cultural ceremonies, and in particular, is a component of all Mappila weddings. In Kerala, this art form has been revived with much popularity on the performing stages of the Youth Festivals of the student 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]

Sometimes, 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.^[5]

References

^ P.K., Ajith Kumar (14 November 2008). "Reinventing tradition". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 25 January 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
^ "Oppana - the popular Muslim art form".
^ "Oppana — a Popular Form of Art". Arab News. 16 December 2006. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
^ Porter, James; Rice, Timothy; Goertzen, Chris (1998). The Garland encyclopedia of world music. Vol. 8. Alexander Street Press. ISBN 978-0-8240-4946-1. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
^ P.J., Varghese; Ramachandran, K.R; Kurian, P.S. (1993). Festivals of Kerala. Cochin: Tourist Desk.