Sunday, 23rd December 2018
Aaroor, Belmaru, near Udupi.
Recently I had a chance to witness BHOOTA KOLA at a nearby place Aaroor, when I went to native place BirthiSalekeri. We went there at 11 pm and the program was already in full swing. We were there till about 1 am and then returned home at Salekeri.
Bhoota Kola is predominant form of worshiping Holy spirits (Bhoota)in coastal Karnataka Mangalore and Udupi districts. Bhootas are worshiped as divine forms of GANAS of deities like Lord Shiva or Parvathi. Worshiping of Bhoota is called BHOOTARADHANE or DAIVARADHANE. When worshiped by a family called Kutumba Daiva.
One such family in Aroor, affectionately called GunduMama has a shrine in the courtyard, called BhootaStana (BhootaGudi) . Kola is performed by invoking the holy spirits, called Darshana Paatri.
"Kalkudka" was the bhoota invoked here. Paatri does the kola performance and acts as medium between the devotees and the Daiva. A female daiva, sister as accompanies in the the rituals.
The ritual site contains a altar and it is an enclosure formed by coconut palm leaves and tender banana plants.Some people are involved in making of SIRI, (A skirt made of tender palm leaves)and ANI (a semi circular structure containing silver arch, bamboo sticks and cloth)
After the oil bath, performer hypnotizes himself by performing theatrics assisted by loud music typical of Bhoota Kola,After the theatrics, the performer sings PAADNANA,(songs), narrating the origin and its heroic deeds beating drums facing the ritual site.
Performer's makeup, faces painted predominantly yello, eyebrows painted black and forehead with designs in black and red colours. Wearing anklets (gaggara), the performer dance to loud music of drums and shehanai used to create enthralling performance. People garland the performer, which are torn of by the performer and he is escorted by two people holding torches and makes prdaskhina around the shrine.The invoker of the holy spirits is given two torches made by dry coconut leaves, makes delicate moves while dancing. The whole vibrant visual spectacle holds the audience spell bound.
Once the dancing is over, the the PAATHRI (invoker) gets into dialogue with the family, the lines spoken by the invoker is called NUDI. The family and the people come with their problems to Daiva and seeking solutions, and the daiva confidently assures the of remedies. People come to seek blessings and saying soothing words and giving Gandha Prasada.
After the blessings, the invoker is escorted to the shrine and is given milk and banana when the ritual is concluded. By now, it is early morning, the devotes see the ray of hope for their problems, as rays of sun illuminate the land they live on.
The people witnessing the rituals were given gatti vade and coffee as refreshments.
Posted Friday, 28th Dec. 2018
Aaroor, Belmaru, near Udupi.
 |
| THE PERFORMER |
Recently I had a chance to witness BHOOTA KOLA at a nearby place Aaroor, when I went to native place BirthiSalekeri. We went there at 11 pm and the program was already in full swing. We were there till about 1 am and then returned home at Salekeri.
Bhoota Kola is predominant form of worshiping Holy spirits (Bhoota)in coastal Karnataka Mangalore and Udupi districts. Bhootas are worshiped as divine forms of GANAS of deities like Lord Shiva or Parvathi. Worshiping of Bhoota is called BHOOTARADHANE or DAIVARADHANE. When worshiped by a family called Kutumba Daiva.
 |
| SHRINE |
"Kalkudka" was the bhoota invoked here. Paatri does the kola performance and acts as medium between the devotees and the Daiva. A female daiva, sister as accompanies in the the rituals.
 |
| FAMILY MEMBERS |
After the oil bath, performer hypnotizes himself by performing theatrics assisted by loud music typical of Bhoota Kola,After the theatrics, the performer sings PAADNANA,(songs), narrating the origin and its heroic deeds beating drums facing the ritual site.
Performer's makeup, faces painted predominantly yello, eyebrows painted black and forehead with designs in black and red colours. Wearing anklets (gaggara), the performer dance to loud music of drums and shehanai used to create enthralling performance. People garland the performer, which are torn of by the performer and he is escorted by two people holding torches and makes prdaskhina around the shrine.The invoker of the holy spirits is given two torches made by dry coconut leaves, makes delicate moves while dancing. The whole vibrant visual spectacle holds the audience spell bound.
 |
| GUESTS |
After the blessings, the invoker is escorted to the shrine and is given milk and banana when the ritual is concluded. By now, it is early morning, the devotes see the ray of hope for their problems, as rays of sun illuminate the land they live on.
The people witnessing the rituals were given gatti vade and coffee as refreshments.
Posted Friday, 28th Dec. 2018
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