Bhoota Kola

Context: Several complaints were filed in Karnataka over statements on a cultural practice called Bhoota kola depicted in the film Kantara.

About Bhoota Kola:

• Bhoota Kola is an annual ritual performance where local spirits or deities are worshipped.
• It is believed that a person performing the ritual has temporarily become a god himself.
• This performer is both feared and respected in the community and is believed to give answers to people’s problems, on behalf of the god.
• There are several ‘Bhootas’ who are worshipped in the Tulu-speaking belt of Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Udupi districts.
• It is usually performed in small local communities and rural areas.
• As per Tulu Adivasi tradition, Bhoota Kola or Daiva Kola is a “non-Vedic” ritual where Bhootas or Daivas (guardians and ancestors) are worshipped.
• Idols representing ‘bhoothas’ are taken out in a procession to the beating of drums and bursting of firecrackers,
• It is widely believed these spirits protect the village from unfortunate incidents.
• A trained person performs this ritual.
• The dancing and pooja ritual is accompanied by drums and music.
• The performer carrying a sword and jingling bells imitates the ‘devil’.

Source: Indian Express

Previous Year Questions

Q.1) Which one of the following statements about Sangam literature in ancient South India is correct?

1. Sangam poems are devoid of any reference to material culture.
2. The social classification of Varna was known to Sangam poets.
3. Sangam poems have no reference to warrior ethic.
4. Sangam literature refers to magical forces as irrational.