Daijiworld News Network - Udupi (MB)
with inputs and pics from RK - Durga Digitals
Udupi, Aug 31: "The Bootas have crossed the boundaries from across the Ghats and dwelled in the coastal areas of our districts. The current form of Boota worship has reached a state of being beyond repair with the mixing of the Vedic system with it," said Dr Y N Shetty, folklore researcher and medical superintendent of SDM Ayurveda College, Kutpady here.
He was speaking on the theme " Boota Worship in Tulunad - an Overview" on the occasion of the Ganesh festival organized by Udyavar-Aroor public Ganeshotsav Samiti. He pointed out after setting up "gudis" (dwelling stations) for the Bootas, people are observing "Brahmakalashotsavas" and taking the Tulu tradition towards Vedic ritual system. Boota worship has had its identity and place from 7th century AD. Today, hitherto well-revered Bootakola is being presented as a feature of entertainment during cultural programmes like stage-plays. Serious thought should be given towards these unhealthy developments, Dr Shetty added.
Dr S A Krishnayya, researcher at the Tulu Study Centre in the MGM College campus in Udupi and Dr Duggappa Kajekar, until recently registrar of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy presented papers on Boota worship.
Kurumbila Poojary of Udyavar Kutpady Brahma Baidarkala Garadi inaugurated the interaction. Seven Boota exponents and others from the field were honoured on the occasion.
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