Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod

Mangaluru, Mar 5: The annual 'Nemotsava' of Pilichamundi Raktheshwari and family Daivas of the Enmakaje Taravadu began with religious fervour at Enmakaje here on March 1.

Nemotsava is a part of the five-day religious festival at Enmakaje Taravadu near Perla. Thousands of people from Kasargod and Dakshina Kannada districts took part in the rituals and festivities.

Geetha Sahitya Sambrama was held in the evening of Monday by Vittala Nayak and team. On Wednesday, March 4, Pilichamundi Daiva Nema was held in the afternoon. Sathyadevate, Korati and Guliaga nema was held in the evening. On Thursday, March 5 Rakteshwari Daiva Nema was held at 7 am.

Enmakaje Mane (house), which has a history of over 450 years, is known for its ‘Bhoota Kola' (spirit worship). Among the nine Bhootas worshipped by the family are Pilichamundi, followed by Guliga, Sathyadevatha, Korathi, Posa Bhoota, Chalena Bhoota, and Rakhtheswari Bhoota.

Nemotsava became an annual event since 2004, when the temple which was destroyed in a fire in 1994 was reconstructed. The Nemotsava is performed in the first week of March every year. The present 'Yejamane' (family head) is Enmakaje Vishwanath Rai who represents the entire clan at all functions and religious ceremonies.