B.A. Viveka Rai, former Vice-Chancellor of Kannada University, Hampi, has said that those involved in the traditional make-up and making headgears for ‘Bhootakola’ artistes should get national recognition.

‘Bhootakola’, or worship of ‘daivas’, is an age-old ritual prevailing in Tulunadu, which comprises Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts and the Kasaragod district of Kerala.

Prof. Rai was speaking at the valedictory of a four-day workshop on ‘Traditional style of make-up and headgears for Bhootakola artistes’, organised by the Regional Resources Centre for Folk Performing Arts and Maharashtra unit of Kannada Sahitya Parishath, here.

Prof. Rai said that the style of make-up and headgears was an art learnt by certain groups in Tulunadu for centuries. Its artistic value was unique and therefore they should get the same recognition like those given to the Theyyam artists of Kerala. Some of these artists from Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts should be given membership of Kendriya Lalit Kala Academi. The Regional Resources Centre for Folk Performing Arts, which had already documented the art, should make a representation to the Union government on this matter, he said.

Prof. Rai said that he was heartened to see that youngsters were still interested in the art of preparing traditional style of makeup and headgears for Bhootakola. This art should be passed on to the next generation.

The current generation should teach this art to the next generation. Traditional art and modern education could go together. The organisers of 'Nema' ritual in Tulunadu spent a huge sum on organising it (the ritual).

But the fee given to the artists preparing traditional style of makeup and headgears was meagre. It was heartening that these artists had come together and formed a forum to get their just fees, Prof. Rai said.

Y.N. Shetty, resource person, said that makeup and headgears of 70 “daivas” were prepared and documented at the workshop in the last four days.