Bhuta Kola, an ancient ritual art

Bhuta Kola is an ancient ritual art form popular among the Tulu-speaking community in the Kasaragod district of Kerala and Udupi, Dakshina Kannada districts of Karnataka.

Nemostava or Bhuta Kola, the festival celebrated in bhoota (followers of Lord Shiva) worshipping temples, is noted for this dance. Shown here is a kola or Kolam (effigy) dancing in ecstasy at Garodi Sri Brahma Baidarkala Temple, situated at Hosamane in Adukkathu Bayal in the Kasaragod district of Kerala.