Spirit Worship: Jumadi-Banta Kola


I had earlier written a post titled Of Daivas and Spirits, about a custom indigenous to this part of the coast- Spirit Worship. As mentioned earlier, these spirits are many, including Panjurli, Varthe, Guliga, Jumadi - Banta, Mantradevate, etc. There is a very interesting story behind these spirits, which you can read HERE.

Of the many rituals conducted to appease the spirits, the most colourful (and glamorous) is conducting a Bhoota Kola. This is a night long ceremony to invoke the spirit(s) concerned, which then occupies an Oracle temporarily, and can even converse with people through a mediator. The Kola season lasts for about 4-5 months, i.e December to May. 

Earlier this year, we decided to visit a Kola held in at our village. This particular one is conducted in a grand manner every year, and is thronged by people of the surrounding villages. The spirits invoked are Jumadi - Banta. The place was beautifully decorated. Lot of musicians and drummers were involved. The silver headgear was polished to shine blindingly as night engulfed. And the artists invoking the spirits knew their trade perfectly. The synchronisation was very good (watch the video at the end of the post).  We did not stay back for the dance with the artists donning the headgear, as it was already well past mid-night and I had to get back home as the next day was a working day. Here are a few photos from the evening.
The Nadibettu Daivasthana, Moilottu village, Mulki 

The musicians

The masks and idols of the spirits, inside the mantap

...Possessed!

Wearing siri, made of tender fronds of the coconut palm

Swish and swash of the siri

The dialogue through expressions...

...and the dance.

Expressions!

The decorated headgear

The idols that are taken out on a procession

A short minute-long clip from the evening. 
Look at the expressions and the synchronisation.


To read my recent posts on this topic (an eleven-part series on organising a Kola), click on the links below: 
Bhoota Kola


Comments

  1. This is interesting. It looks like the "Thaiyam" in kerala. Pictures are good.

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    1. It is the counterpart of Theyyam, conducted here in Tulunadu. I wish to visit a Theyyam ritual some day!

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  2. Very elaborate ritual! Well documented!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Magiceye! You should visit one sometime, on your next visit to your village!

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  3. Very colorful captures! So much full of life!

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  4. Thanks a lot for the handy info. Short but precisely written.

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