Beating the Duff rhythmically

The Muslims of Kerala in South India have a few special art forms that have grown around their festivals, and duffmuttu is one of them.

This is a group presentation where a small percussion instrument called the duff (duph) is beaten to a special rhythm. The performers are led by a group leader and they move in circles, repeating in chorus the songs that the leader sings.

Most of the songs in duffmuttu tell stories based on legends or the lives of martyrs and holy men. Duffmuttu performers are very much in demand during festival seasons and weddings.