Bhuta Kola or Spirit Worship, is an ancient and revered ritual that has been practiced by the Tulu-speaking people in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts of southern India. This unique spiritual tradition, rooted in the tribal era, is a fascinating blend of music, dance, trance and divine possession. Through these rituals, the community connects with the supernatural, seeking guidance, protection and resolution of conflicts. Bhuta Kola is not just a religious practice, but an expression of the cultural and socio-economic fabric of rural Tulu Nadu.

The Spiritual Guardians of the Village

At the heart of Bhuta Kola lies the worship of spirits, known as Bhutas, who are believed to be the guardians of the villages. These spirits are seen as protectors of both the people and their livestock, offering divine protection from harm. The Bhuta Kola festival, also known as nemotsava, is an annual event where these spirits are invoked and revered in elaborate ceremonies.

The rituals of Bhuta Kola are characterized by possession, trance and communication between the possessed impersonator and the villagers. The impersonator, who becomes a medium for the spirit, listens to the people’s appeals, offers solutions and provides guidance on a range of issues—from health problems to legal disputes. Acting as a healer, judge and protector, the spirit’s role in village life is one of great importance and the villagers view the impersonator as the direct representative of the divine force.

Dual Worship: Puranic Gods and Local Spirits

In Tulu Nadu, there exists a fascinating tradition of dual worship. While Puranic Gods are worshipped in temples under the leadership of Brahmin priests, the spirits or Bhutas are honored in a more intimate and personalized manner. The worship of Puranic Gods is typically a more formal, temple-based ritual where devotees act as spectators, offering prayers but not directly engaging with the deity. In contrast, Bhuta Kola involves a direct connection between the devotees and the spirits, who are seen as localized deities with a specific role in the community.

The Bhutas are believed to have fixed spheres of influence, often associated with a particular family, village, or region. Devotees offer regular bali (oblations) to the spirits in exchange for protection, good harvests and safety from harm. The spirits are also seen as messengers, warning the villagers of potential dangers and guiding them in times of need.

The Vibrant Celebration of Bhuta Kola in Bola Village

In my own native village of Bola, the annual Bhuta Kola celebration takes place at the Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi, a sacred space dedicated to the spirits of our land. This year, the event was held on Sunday, December 15th, 2024, at 7 PM, continuing through the night until the morning of Monday, December 16th. The festival typically occurs a few weeks after Diwali and spans three nights, drawing people from all over the region. Even those who work in far-off places return to their villages to take part in this grand cultural event.

The Baidarkala Garadi is beautifully adorned with flowers, electric lights and vibrant decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. As night falls, people from neighboring villages begin to gather, eagerly awaiting the start of the ritual. The highlight of the evening is the arrival of three Parava men who prepare themselves for the ritual dance. Dressed in elaborate costumes and adorned with colorful makeup, they embody the spirit of the Bhuta, ready to invoke its presence.

At around 7 PM, prayers and offerings are made in front of the Garbagriha (sanctum) of the Garadi. The three Parava men begin their incantations, accompanied by loud music and the rhythmic beats of drums. Each of them is handed a sword, which they wield in the air as they dance to the movement of their bodies. The atmosphere is charged with energy as the spirits are summoned.

The dance continues through the night, with the Parava men performing in the courtyard of the Garadi to the accompaniment of high-pitched trumpet blows, nagaswara music and intense drumbeats. The dance, marked by intermittent breaks, reaches its peak around 2 AM, at which point the priests take over. They perform their own Bhuta Kola dance, believed to be possessed by the spirits. By morning, the festivities culminate, with the final ritual taking place around 6 AM.

The entire ceremony takes place in a well-decorated arena or pandal, which resembles a ritualistic stage. The music and the beat of drums and wind instruments provide a rhythmic backdrop for the various stages of the procession, each tempo signaling a different phase of the ritual. There are stalls that line up outside the temple selling icecreams (mostly), snacks like Buns, Goli baji, some chinese snacks etc.

The impersonator who invokes the spirit dresses in vibrant, symbolic costumes, complete with a sword, bells and other accessories. The process of preparing the impersonator for possession involves self-hypnosis, a ritual bath for purification and the application of plant-based pastes that represent the characteristics of the spirit being invoked. Each color and detail in the makeup carries symbolic meaning, helping to embody the spirit during the performance.

As the spirit possesses the impersonator, he begins to interact with the villagers. The spirit addresses the community, inquiring about the reason for its invocation and offering guidance. The villagers, through the medium of the impersonator, seek protection, prosperity and divine blessings for the entire community. If the spirit is pleased, it promises protection and a good harvest. However, if the spirit is dissatisfied, it prescribes certain rituals to atone for past wrongs or impurities.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Bhuta Kola is the role the impersonator plays as a judge and mediator. In this role, the spirit resolves disputes within the village, offering decisions that are final and unquestioned. These decisions are made with the utmost seriousness, as the impersonator is seen as the divine tribunal, upholding truth and justice.

Conclusion: A Living Tradition

As the festival comes to an end and the villagers disperse, the final act of the ritual is the singing of the paad-danaas, a ballad that recounts the birth, heroic deeds and influence of the spirit. This performance, which blends music, storytelling and devotion, serves as both a celebration of the spirit and a reminder of the deep connection between the villagers and their divine protectors.

Bhuta Kola is more than just a spiritual practice; it is a living tradition that connects the people of Tulu Nadu to their past, their culture and each other. It reflects the values, beliefs, and artistic achievements of the region and continues to play a vital role in shaping the community’s identity. As I witnessed the event in Bola, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the power of this ancient tradition—one that has withstood the test of time and continues to thrive in the hearts and minds of the people.

Video link :

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