“For the people of Dakshina Kannada, Bhootas are above god,” declares Umashanker Periodi. “Because, unlike gods, Bhootas talk to them.”

Periodi, who hails from a family that is involved in Bhoota Kola, is a seasoned mentor and former Head of Karnataka State at Azim Premji Foundation. Although he grew up in a Dakshina Kannada village enveloped by the aura of rituals and traditions, as a college student with socialist influences, he grew sceptical of them. As his worldview matured, nudged by his mother, Periodi began to acknowledge and respect the beliefs of his people. His experience shaped his tolerance and appreciation of their cultural and social significance.

In the second episode of our Kannada series Noorakke Nooru Karnataka [100/100 Karnataka], Shraddha has an engaging conversation with Periodi on the rich tradition of Bhoota Ko ...