Bhoota Kola, the pride of Tulu Nadu

Bhoota means 'spirit' and Kola means 'play' in Tulu. It is basically a spirit worship ritual celebrated by Tulu-speaking people in Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka and some districts of Kerala.

They are spirits that protect the village from calamities and make them prosperous. It is believed that the anger of these spirits could bring bad luck.

A few spirits worshipped are Panjurli, accompanied by his sister Varthe, Kalluri, Kalkuda, Kordhabbu, Guliga, Jarandaya, Bobbarya and so on. There are stories that describe their heroism and how they came to be worshipped.

According to people, these spirits are neither good nor bad. Kola is also called 'nema' which means ceremony, which goes on from dusk to dawn.

The area is decorated with flowers, mainly jasmine, and firecracker flower (Abbolige/ Abboli) and such others.

A man acts as the medium for the spirit to occupy temporarily. The Kola is performed by professionals who belong to the lower castes of society.

The performer of the Daiva or Bhoota usually wears a skirt of tender palm leaves which is easily flammable and helps them to perform acts with fire.

They have experience in performing Kola, are dedicated to it and are paid for it too. It is believed that during Kola, for a fraction of a second, the real Daiva’s spirit comes into the person performing it and they predict or can foresee the future. They are worshiped with utmost respect and dignity.

The evening begins with the artist carefully applying the indigenously-prepared bright colors on his well-oiled face and body, and dressing up with traditional jewelry and clothes.

Bhoota Kola is limited to a family where all members of the family come together and organise Kola. Other people from the village/ town are invited to witness the event and seek blessings.

There is a saying attributed to the spirits of Tulu Nadu, "Nambidinayan kai budaye. Nambandinayan nambave” or "I shall not leave the ones who believe in me and shall make the non-believers believe in me”. Hence, believe it or not, the cult of spirit worship is not going anywhere.