Inside Tulu Nadu’s ancient Daiva rituals: when spirits take control
- ByAini Mandal
- 02 Jun, 2025
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Tulu Nadu, a coastal region in Karnataka, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its unique spiritual practices known as Daiva traditions. These traditions encompass a variety of rituals and performances that connect the community with their ancestral spirits.
One of the most prominent aspects of Daiva worship is the Būta Kōlā (also known as Daiva Nēmā), a shamanistic dance performance that involves the channeling of local deities or spirits. Performed by ritual specialists from communities such as the Nalike, Pambada, or Parava, the ritual includes music, dance, and elaborate costumes. The medium, or channel, becomes possessed by the deity, delivering messages and judgments to the community. These performances often serve as a means of resolving disputes and seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
The Koragajja spirit holds a special place in Tulu Nadu's Daiva pantheon. Revered as a guardian spirit, Koragajja is believed to protect the community from harm and injustice. Offerings to Koragajja typically include items like whiskey, betel leaves, and rice snacks, reflecting the spirit's connection to the everyday lives of the people.
These traditions are not merely religious rituals but are deeply intertwined with the social and cultural fabric of Tulu Nadu. They offer a window into a world where the spiritual and the mundane coexist, where faith is practiced through embodied rituals that have been passed down through generations.
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