SRI BRAHMA BAIDARKALA GARADI NEMA.

 Saturday, April 5, 2025

GudeBettu, Varambally, Brahmavara

The annual nemotsava also known as Bhuta Kola at Sri Brahma Baidarkala Garadi near Gudebettu Varambally, Brahmavara was held on a grand scale on Saturday, 5th April and continued till morning of Sunday, 6th April. This nemotsavas has been usually held after some days as decided at the the annual Utsava.

The Brahma Baidarkala Garadi at Gudebettu was decorated with flowers and electric lights. People from the neighbourhood coming in from early evening to witness this annual nemotsava. Three Parava youths were preparing themselves for the ritual dance for quite some some. A number of prominent village people were present for the ritual. In the evening, prayers and offerings were held in front of the Garbagriha of the Garadi which the three Parava youths with elaborate make up and dress began incantation to the accompaniment of loud music and drumbeats. They were handed over a sword each which they began to wield in air to the movement of their bodies.

Bhuta Kola(Spirit Worship) has been an ancient form of ritual worship among the Tulu-speaking people in the Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. This complex system of rituals and beliefs can be traced back to the tribal era. The music and narratives, dances and dialogues, trances and oracles reflect the socio-economic condition of the village, thought patterns of the villagers, artistic achievements and socio-cultural values enshrined in the rustic societies of different regions.
The spirits or the Bhutas worshipped during the nemotsava or Bhuta Kola are considered to be the guardians of the villages. They are believed to be protecting the villagers and their livestock. Important aspects of Bhuta Kola are possession, trance and the dialogue of the possessed impersonator with the devotees. The Bhuta impersonator behaves like an incarnation of a concerned spirit, listening to the appeals of the people, solving problems, warning and comforting the devotees. He acts as a healer and solves the legal and judicial problems of the villagers.

With the passage of time the spirit dancer assumes the role of the spirit himself and starts calling the authorities to inquire the reason for his invocation. He addresses everyone according to his rank. The organizers propitiate the spirit and beg protection, prosperity, good crop and wealth for the entire community. If pleased, the spirit through the oracle conveys the pleasure and promises protection and prosperity. If the spirit is not satisfied, then he prescribes certain punitive rituals for acts of insult or impurity to the holy place or certain acts of commissions and omissions on part of the devotees. While settling the quarrels or disputes the impersonator assumes the role of a tribunal and conducts himself in a dignified manner as upholder of truth and righteousness. The decision of the impersonator is final without provision for appeal.

Though I was born and brought up at Birthi, Varambally, Brahmavara, I am first time witnessing this Nemotsava and BhootaKola. At times it is quite scary and children start crying. Anyway, It was an experience, proud to witness such an event.

Posted 10/4/2025