Bhootha is a sanskrit term signifying the elements of nature such as the earth, water, fire, air and space. It is also considered to mean, "the unseen spirit"

Bhootha are supposed to be sent by the Lord Shiva, who is the Lord of all Bhoothas.

It is believed that the Bhootha or spirits, treats human beings as their foster children and act as a bridge between human beings and God.  In return, they expect devotion and customary offerings. 

The practice of worshipping these spirits and providing offerings to them is called "Bhootharadhane". It is a complex system of rituals, music and narratives, dances and dialogues, social gatherings and entertainment, hypnotism and oracles, miraculous healing of mental and physical disorders,  settling of disputes and quarrels, all rolled into one. 

The kola comprises a spectacular dance by an impersonator possessed by the spirit wearing gorgeous costumes, delivering messages of the divine spirit, curing diseases and settling village disputes.  All these leave a lasting impression on the spectators, believers or non-believers alike.

The impersonator wears different types of make up, costumes, ornaments, depending on the spirit.  His dress is a gown of palm leaf and a big halo like structure called "ani" made of palm leaf and well decorated with flowers and elaborate ornamentation.

"Ani" used are of different shapes, semi circular, oval or square, bordered with rays made of palm frond projecting outwards. Shape, size and ornamentation of this head-gear vary from spirit to spirit.

The ceremony ends with distribution of prasadam in the form of boolyas.

The kite you see, shows a typical Bhootha impersonator fully dressed up with the elaborate make-up as seen during the Bhootharadhane festival.