BOOTHA KOLA | "KOLA" | MANGALURU |

History of Bhootha Kola:

This tradition dates back to 700-800 BC coinciding with the immigration of the Early Tulu tribes who introduced the initial cults of Bermer (also pronounced as ‘Birmer’ or ‘Bermeru’). Bhuta Kola is a form of spirit dance.
Bhuta Kola seems to be an inevitable part of the socio-cultural life of Mangalore. Moreover, the ‘bhutas’ or the spirits worshiped during the festival are believed to be the guardians of the village, who protect the villagers as well as their livestock from the evil forces.
In fact, the spirits that are worshiped by the villagers are considered to be the attendants of Lord Shiva. It is noteworthy in this context that the ‘Kola’ is a kind of Bhuta worship that includes devotion, inspiration and entertainment.