Bhuta Kola

Bhuta Kola is a traditional ritual performance from coastal Karnataka and Kerala, where performers invoke and entertain spirits called “bhutas” through dance, music, and elaborate costumes. These spirits are believed to protect the community, ward off evil, and ensure prosperity. The ritual is rooted in local animist beliefs and often takes place during festivals or special occasions, involving trance-like states where performers embody the spirits. It serves as a cultural, spiritual, and social expression, preserving ancestral traditions and reinforcing community bonds through vibrant, sacred performances.