‘Bhuta Kola’ awakes people to transcend their thinking

                                                   

            ‘Butha Kola’ or Butha worship reminds people of not only the ancient practices of their ancestors but also the strong  belief that is passed on from generation to generation. The meaning of the phrase ‘Butha-Kola’ is; Butha-Supernatural spirit and Kola-ceremony. This being an ancient ritual practice, the Tulu speaking community especially Bunts, Billavas and other Sudra casts of South Kanara take pride in pursuing the cultural tradition. In Butha worship the believers make effort in satisfying the spirit and seek its assistance and blessing. This sort of worship is special in Tulu-nadu because of the various nuances. It also unveils the innumerable aspects of the ritual ceremony. 

   This may be paradoxical in nature because of the two Gods, Deva and Daiva. Though Deva is worshiped in every community yet the focus in Botha Kola is Daiva. The element that distinguishes Daiva from Deva is the way the philosophy and theology is perceived by the people of Tulu-nadu. This does not demand for high literacy to understand but what builds people’s belief is that the strong faith that it will do good to them. The different casts’ worshipers gather in their locality and celebrate this ceremony. The significance of such practice is that the impact it has created among believers. For instance people, the way the dancer decorates himself in ‘Jumadi Daiva’ style, and tying of Siri (palm leaves) on the hip of the dancer as skirt, the presence of the Patri (priest) are some of the obvious elements which strengthens people faith.