Holy Make Up Before Ritual Dance

Bhuta Aradhana or the spirit worship is one of the oldest forms of worship popular among the Tulu-speaking community in Kasaragod district of Kerala and Udupi, Dakshina Kannada districts in Karnataka. Nemostava or Bhuta Kola, the festival celebrated in these Bhoota worshipping temples, is noted for the elaborate dance form similar to that of Theyyam from Kerala. Bhoota are the followers of Lord Shiva.

Shown here is a Kola dancer getting ready for the ritual of Bhuta Kola or Bhoota Kola at Garodi Sri Brahma Baidarkala Temple, situated at Hosamane in Adukkathu Bayal in Kasaragod district of Kerala.