The word Bhoota in Tulu means “divine spirit” or “guardian deity,” not “ghost” or “evil being.” Kola means “performance” or “celebration.” Bhoota Kola evolved from animistic traditions, ancient practices where every element of nature was seen as alive and sacred. It is believed that these guardian spirits (Daivas) protect villages, uphold justice, and ensure harmony.
Speaking about the historical roots, the earliest evidence of Bhoota Kola dates back to 12th-century temple inscriptions at Karkala’s Shiva Temple. The first written documentation appeared in 1894, when British scholar Arthur Coke Burnell wrongly described it as “devil worship,” a misunderstanding that distorted its true essence. For centuries before that, Bhoota Kola existed only through oral folklore, known as Paddanas, songs that tell the stories of the spirits, their origins, struggles, and divine purpose.
The ritual usually takes place at night in a sacred grove called a Daivastana. It begins with the recitation of Paddana, followed by the rising rhythm of drums, chants, and trumpets. The performer adorns himself with:
- Bright red garments
- A towering headdress
- Silver ornaments and gaggara (large anklets)
- Coconut leaves around the waist
As the music intensifies, the performer begins to tremble and shake, symbolizing the spirit entering his body. Once “possessed,” he speaks as the deity, offering blessings, warnings, and divine guidance to the villagers.
Bhoota Kola is not about hierarchy, it is a space of equality and unity. The performers usually belong to the Nalike, Parava, or Pambada communities, traditionally considered lower castes.However, during the ritual, these men transform into gods, and people of all castes bow before them. This moment of worship transcends social boundaries, turning the ritual into a symbol of inclusivity and respect.
Every element used in the ritual: flowers, fire, leaves, and paint, comes directly from nature, symbolizing gratitude toward the earth. The spirits invoked are often those of ancestors and tribal heroes who once protected the land and its people. Bhoota Kola, therefore, is not only an act of worship but also a remembrance of lineage, land, and legacy.
Over the centuries, Bhoota Kola has absorbed Dravidian and Vedic influences, yet its soul remains rooted in simplicity and nature. In recent times, it has become more vibrant and occasionally commercialized, but the essence of devotion and ancestral connection remains intact.
Rishab Shetty’s Kantara captures the mysticism and power of Bhoota Kola with breathtaking realism. The film’s climactic scene, where the protagonist becomes one with the spirit, reflects the ritual’s core, the merging of man and divinity. It shows that Bhoota Kola is not about fear or superstition, but about surrender, faith, and harmony between the human and the divine.
In Tulunadu, Bhoota Kola is still performed every year between November and May, keeping alive an ancient promise between the people and their guardian spirits. It shows us a reminder that the divine is not somewhere distant, it is within the soil, the ancestors, and the stories that refuse to fade.
Source : India Today
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