Bhoota Kola

Subject :Art and Culture

Context : Bengaluru police book actor Chetan Kumar over Bhoota Kola remarks.

Concept :

About Bhoota Kola

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.
Kola is also called ‘nema’ which means ceremony, which goes on from dusk to dawn.
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.
The performer displays an aggressive outlook, dances fiercely and performs multiple rituals.
This performer is feared and respected in the community and is believed to give answers to people’s problems on behalf of the spirit.
Drums and music give company to the dancing and pooja rituals.
By praying together during Bhootada Kola, the community seeks God’s blessing, prosperity and riddance of various problems the community is challenged with.
Bhootada Kola is said to have some influence from Yakshagana, a more popular and widely performed folk dance in coastal Karnataka.
Some of the Bhootada Kola rituals also involve walking on a bed of hot coal.

Popular Bhootas:

Panjurli, Bobbarya, Pilipoota, Kalkuda, Kalburti, Pilichamundi, KotiChennayaare some of the popular gods (Bhootas) worshipped as part of Bhootada Kola