Oppana

Oppana is a dance form specially from the muslim community of kerala. It is a bridal group dance performed by a group of girls around the bride on the day before the marriage.And also can say it is mostly seen in the Muslims especially in the Malabar region of Kerala.  Its a dance were all the moments are accompanied with  clapping their hands.Two or three girls begin the songs and the rest join in chorus.The bride dressed in all finery, covered with gold ornaments and her palms and feet adorned with an intricately woven pattern of mylanchi in malayalam which means -henna .The bride will sit in the center around which the singing and dancing take place. 

The instruments used for oppana dance are Harmonium, Tabla, Ganjira and Elathaalam .And the song for the performance is named as mappilapaattu which is a type of song for muslim religion only. Oppana is much popularity in performing stages of Youth Festivals of student community.

Kathakali

Kathakali is a classical dance drama which was originated over 500 years ago.The word kathakali can be separated as two 'katha' which in malayalam means story and 'kali' means play so it literally means story play  it is noticed for the attractive makeup ,costumes and its well designed costumes and the moments.It is a combination of drama, dance, music and ritual.Theme of kathakali is based on hindu religion.The story typically deals with Ramayana , Mahabharatha and puranas.
            
Another important aspect of kathakali is its costumes and makeups .Its is different for hero and the heroin. There are several kinds of costume.  There are: Sathwika -the hero, Kathi -the villain, Minukku -females, and Thatti. The music of kathakali is likely similar to karnatic music and the instruments used are chenda ,idakka, shuddha madalam.

DANCE FORMS OF KERALA

Kerala is home to diverse forms of performing arts.The various religions of the state contribute to its rich and traditional culture.culture. Kathakali is one of the art form which is famous world wide .Here is a list of some of the most popular dance forms in Kerala.  

• Kathakali

• Theyyam 
• oppana dance
• Thullal

• Koodiyattam

• Duffmuttu or Aravanmuttu
• Thitambu Nritham
• Kaikottikali or Thiruvathirakali
• Margamkali

I would like to introduce about the 14 districts of Kerala state with different culture in a same mother-tongue.i travelled through the districts and i would like to share my information within my limits and they are...

Trivandrum

Trivandrum is the southernmost district of the coastel state of kerala.It was existed in 1957.trivandrum is also known as the capital city of Kerala. The district area is 2192 square kms.the district have three major riveres,severel fresh water lakes and 100 of ponds also.trivandrum  hot tropical in climate and cold weather experience in mountain ranges.Industry,growth of  information technology paved the way for the growth of the state.agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the state.tapioca and coconut are the main crops of the state.

Pathanamthitta

Pathanamthitta is the youngest district located in the southern part of the Kerala. The state surrounded by Kottayam,Idukki,Alappuzha and Koallam.The state known as the state of pilgrimage. The famous pilgrim sabarimala located in this state. According the census of India in 2001 the population was 1231570.Pathanamthitta declared as the first polio Free State in India. The districts can be divided in to  three natural  regions highland, midland and lowland. Usually moderate climate is getting in this state. The south-west masoon from June to sep and east-west monsoon from October to November. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people.75% people depending agriculture. Rubber is the important crop in pathanamthiatta 

Palakkadu

The district nicknamed the granary of Kerala  bounded in the northwest of malappuram and southwest by trissure and east by coibatore.the district is 13.62% urbanized.the total area of state is 4480km.

The climate is hot humid in most part of year. The state blessed with small rivers which are the tributes of bharathappuzha river. The total population is 2617072 in 2001 census. Coca cola,pepsi are main industries of palakkad .palakkade is the most agrarian state of Kerala.Paddy cultivation also promoting by the state.