Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (ANK)

Kasargod, Feb 5: The undivided Dakshina Kannada district is famed for its unique culture of worshipping demigods and showing faith to the deity. The style of worship varies in different places. While some worship is accompanied with folk music and dance, ‘Ottekola’ involves dancing on burning charcoal.

As a concluding part  of Brahmakalashostava of Durgaparameshwari (Ullalthi) Vishnumoorthi Temple, ‘Otthe Kola’, a traditional worship of demi-god Vishnumoorthi was held at Idiyadka, Perla on the wee hours of Tuesday, February 5. 

The ‘Kenda Seve’ is a special offering to the deity involving running on a heap of burning charcoal.

Before beginning the celebration, the locals collect a pile of wood in a wide paddy field. After some rituals are performed at the temple to the demi-god, they set fire to the wood.

The wood after burning for several hours turns to charcoal after which the ‘Kenda Seve’ starts. A priest walking slowly on the charcoal inaugurates the offering with accompanying rites. Later, the devotees run on the charcoal.

The devotees who run on the burning charcoal undertake a fast and do not get injured by running on it. They believe it to be a special offering to the god, which makes their family blessed and helps them get good yield in agriculture besides bringing them good health.

Locals of Idiyadka celebrate Ottekola as a festival of the locality, and believe this ritual performance makes them blessed. There is a belief that the fervor to the god helps in getting good crops and great yield in agriculture.