Bhootas

Bhootas are a class of spirits or deities in certain Indian folk traditions, most prominently in coastal Karnataka and the Tulu-speaking regions, where communities worship them as guardians of villages and families. They are typically regarded as ancestral or natural spirits believed to reside in forests, hills, rivers, or in objects connected to daily life. The Bhoota cult is most visible in rituals such as Bhoota Aradhane or Bhoota Kola, where a medium or hereditary priest enters a trance and the deity speaks through them, delivering blessings, prophecies, or guidance.

Rituals feature drums, chants, and dancing, with elaborately dressed performers and masks representing different Bhootas. Offerings typically include fruits, coconuts, grains, and flowers, presented at altars or sacred trees and shrines. The medium is treated with reverence and may be thought to embody the deity during the ceremony, answering questions or resolving community concerns. These rites reinforce social bonds, mark seasonal cycles, and address issues such as rain, harvest, cattle, and safety.

Beliefs about Bhootas vary regionally, but they are generally regarded as protective spirits connected to particular villages, clans, or natural features. While many Bhootas are worshiped within local folk traditions, some practices exist alongside mainstream Hindu worship, and the deities may be seen as complementary to temple rituals rather than as independent religious systems.

In contemporary contexts, Bhoota worship remains an important cultural expression for many communities, contributing to regional identity and ethnographic interest. Scholars study Bhootas as part of folk religion, ritual performance, and the interplay between tradition and modernity.