It is a ritual performed by Tulu people in Karnataka and some districts of Kerala. Here Bhoota means “Soul” and kola means “Play” in Tulu language. It is very common in the coastal towns of Karnataka. Idols representing ‘bhoothas’ are taken out in a procession to the beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers.
History And Stories Behind the Bhoota Kola
Although the origin was unknown, Bhoota Kola seems to be an inevitable part of the socio-cultural life of Mangalore. Moreover, the ‘bhutas’ or the spirits worshipped during the festival are believed to be the guardians of the village, who protect the villagers as well as their livestock from the evil forces. But according to the people it was started between 700 Bc- 800 Bc by the Tulu speaking peoples who worship Panjurli Deva, one of the major gods. Panjurli in Tulu means a wild boar, it was said that once there are 4 child Boar and one of them lost from the family soo Maa Parvati saw that child Boar and bring him to Kelash after years when the Boar get big, due to increasing his side teeth he get the irritation and destroy the farms and places so Lord Shiva send him to Earth and after that he protect the village and the village people.
Ceremony Perform During Bhoota Kola
The 1st pooja starts in the morning where there is a setup of a beautiful Pandal where they keep swords, shields, jewelries etc. Basically it was performed by a specific family who have the blessing from generation to generation to perform the ritual. So now 1st they go to Bhoota Stana(the temple of Deva) to take the blessing from the Devi, after that they take a bath in the oil to purify the body so that spirit will come to their body. After all the puja and everything at the night the main ritual starts were the performer dress up like Deva by wearing jewelries, makeup, crown and etc. the final dressing will be complicated after they wear the skirt of coconut leaf and then suddenly during the dance Deva posses the performer and listen to the villagers issues and give blessing to the village.
Main Attraction Of The Ritual
- Dance
- Tradition
- Justice Delivery
- Rituals
- Makeup and Garments
- Cultural Impact
- Spirit and Trance
Additional Information About Bhoota kola
Places You Can Watch Bhoota Kola
It was performed in some rural parts like
Date And Time To Visit
The ritual is performed between December – May and you can visit at from morning or evening time to see all the rituals, puja and the classic folk dance of Bhoota Kola.
