MANGALORE, KARNATAKA, INDIA, February 8, 2008: Every February the night turns into a wonderland of folk rituals in Dakshina Kannada. Individuals, families, communities and societies get together to worship the Bhutas, nature spirits, with music, narratives, dances, trances and oracles, miraculous healings and interactions with the subtle worlds. This year’s festival was no different.
The Bhutas are spirits which once–long back in time–used to be in blood and flesh like any human being but nevertheless they were endowed with special and extra-human powers. The origin of the tradition can be traced to ancestor worship and the interaction with Devas. There are certain spirits originated from God Shiva who sends the Bhutas or Ganas to earth. During the festival, devotees emulate these colorful beings, wearing gorgeous costumes, masks and high crowns, making awe-inspiring cries, performing heroic feats and settling village disputes. You can see photos clicking on the link above.