Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Oct 13: It is a common sight to witness various puja and religious rituals being performed in temples to appease the gods. At the same time, people with different makeup in fancy attires keep roaming the streets and seeking money from the people. On the nine days of the Navaratri festival, we can see people dressed as various characters described in the epics and mythologies, besides tigers, differently dressed people in the roles of men and women etc.

A man from Puttur has been taking on one such role for the last 13 years during this festival. This man presents himself in this unique character not for any money like others. He is Divakar Devadiga from Kemmayi in the taluk. He has attracted a lot of attention from the people of the town by presenting himself as a ghost. Divakar, who is an auto rickshaw driver by profession, becomes a ghost during the Navaratri festival. He moves from house to house or shop to shop, letting out strange cries like that of a ghost.

Unlike the people who dress themselves as tigers, and various roles of ladies and men, Divakar is unique. He has mastered the art of entertaining people during Navaratri. In the past, he was posing as Raghavendra Swamy, Lord Shiva, and Lord Krishna etc. After the depiction of religious characters was banned, he had stopped the activity altogether. Thereafter, it is learnt, his physical condition worsened and he was not even able to move his limbs. He then decided to present himself in some character during Navaratri and chose to be a ghost.

Divakar does this to meet his religious vow and not to make money. He entertains people. He has obtained police permission for the same. He removes his attire after 6 pm as there is a chance of the people getting frightened at the sight of a ghost in the dark. He also has exhibited this timing in his dress.

Divakar is known for several unique features. He has named his three wheeler 'Aapadbhandava' or saviour in need. He rushes to help the people in distress.

Divakar stands apart because of the fact that he never demands money. When people offer money and insist that he should accept it, he receives it albeit with some discomfort.