Ee Dane Mulu, Yeregavuye Kirikiri?

Modest Tulu film industry is coming of age. Though the Tulu cinema has a history of 45 years with 60 films, close to 30 films got released in the last 5-6 years! Major boost to this boom was the success of the movie Oriyardori Asal in 2011, which was based on the popular Tulu comedy drama of the 90's of the same name. Previously any Tulu movie released in Mangalore region, used to be screened in Bangalore too, which has a sizeable Tulu population. Nowadays, a Tulu film is released only in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Kasaragod districts and sometimes in the United Arab Emirates to cater the immigrant population - makers clearly noting the profitable markets!

Success of many Tulu films in the last few years has brought mannerisms and dialogues in the Tulu movies into popular culture. One popular dialogue which is doing rounds these days in Whatsapp and Facebook groups is Ee Dane Mulu? (Why are you here?) Yeregavuye Kirikiri? (Who would want that nuisance/trouble?)

What makes beliefs in Bhutaradhane and Nagaradhane so strong?

You can also read this article in Kannada here.

Steve Jobs of Apple had asked to give the book - Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahamsa Yogananda – as a last gift to all who attended his memorial service. I am half way through the book. But I am finding it difficult to complete it due to references to miracles in that book! What aspect of the book, Steve Jobs - one of the most respected men in modern technology, found inspiring – I am yet to find out.

No matter however modern we become, there are some aspects of our belief systems, which cannot be explained in the realms of logic. Belief in holy spirits is one of such kind. Recently premiered documentary series – Belief – in Discovery Channel is a testimony to such beliefs all around the world! Bhuta Kola, explained in one of my earlier posts, constitutes the belief system of people of coastal Karnataka for several centuries. 

A Night of Bhuta Kola

You can also read this article in Kannada here.

I witnessed a Bhuta Kola recently in Puttur, Dakshina Kannada district. Performed during the night, Bhuta Kola or Bhoota Kola is a predominant form of worship of the Holy Spirits in Tulu Nadu (comprising of Mangalore, Udupi districts of Karnataka and Kasaragod district of Kerala). Though I am a native of Mangalore, it was the first time I watched the full ritual, which runs from dusk to dawn. Bhutas are worshiped as a divine forms or Ganas of deities like Lord Shiva or Mother Goddess. They are also worshiped as Rajan Daiva(royal spirit). Also, local heroes like Koti Chennaya, who stood for truth and dharma are given the status of Daiva after their death.

Bhuta Sthana or Bhuta Gudi

Season of Bhuta Kola : Also called Dharma Nema, Bhuta Kola is performed anytime from Deepavali day(during October) till Pattanaje or the 10th day of the Hindu month of Vrishabha (falls around the 25th of May). Bhuta (the Holy Spirit) is also called Daiva and the worship of Bhuta is known as Bhutaraadhane or Daivaraadhane. Bhuta, when worshipped by a group of families spread over various villages and towns, is called Kutumba Daiva. A shrine or a temple is built for the Daiva by the family. It is called a Bhuta Sthaana or Bhuta Gudi. On the other hand, Daiva's are also worshiped by all the people of a village or town.