The World of Kantara Explained | ಕಾಂತಾರದ ದೈವ ಆರಾಧನೆಯ ಮೂಲ

From Dharmasthala to Kantavara, the legend of Panjurli Daiva runs deep through the forests and coasts of Karnataka. Long before Kantara took the world by storm — and with Kantara 2 now expanding its universe — Bhoota Kola was already a living theatre: part spiritual ritual, part social conscience, part art.

In this episode of Noorakke Nooru Karnataka, we explore the real tradition that inspired Rishab Shetty’s Kantara films — the Daiva Aradhane (spirit worship) of Tulu Nadu. Folklore scholar Umashanker Periodi takes us through the origins and meaning of this centuries-old ritual where faith, justice, and performance intertwine.

What is Kola and what is Nema? Why is Bhoota Kola called a spiritual theatr ...