Duff Muttu

The Duff Muttu or the Dubh Muttu, or the Duff Kalli is an art form performed in Kerala by the Muslim community to commemorate their festivals, nuptial ceremonies or Urooses and also for social entertainment.

It is also performed to celebrate festivals and occasions connected with Mosques and Madrasas. There is no time specific for a Duff Muttu performance. It can be played anytime of the day.

Origin and History: The Duff Muttu is said to have been initially performed in Madina in South Arabia. This used to be performed on the paddy fields of Arabia where the artists used to sing the praise of the Lord.

Performed by: The Mapilla Muslims of the state of Kerala, perform the Duff Muttu

Themes: The songs often have a tribute to the martyrs, saints and heroes as their central theme. Often the sons are in Arabic and sing the Creator’s praise.

Accompanying Instruments: The Duff (Dubh) is a musical percussion instrument made of wood and ox skin. It is also known as the Thappitta. Sometimes the Aravana is used instead of the Duff. Hence the art is sometimes called the Aravana Muttu or Aravana Kalli.

Style: The participants in a Duff Muttu programme sing and dance. The leader sings while the others provide chorus and drum the Duff with their fingers or palms.

About half a dozen artists sit or stand facing each other (usually in a semi circular form) sing, and move in a circular fashion.

Where Performed: Duff Muttu, the art form, is quite famous among the Muslims of Kasargod & Malappuram districts in the Malabar Region of Kerala. Mosques and Madrasas have their own Duff Muttu troupes. Stage competitions are also arranged all over Kerala.

Every year the Kerala Government arranges Duff Muttu competitions in schools and other educational institutions of the state to ensure the interest of the young generation in the art form.