It is pure bliss to witness a Deiva Kola live, say Kannada actors

Kannada actors Vijay Raghavendra, Sharanya Shetty and Shine Shetty talk about their recent experiences of being a part of the Deiva Kola in and around Mangaluru.

The energy and aura is so different at the gathering: Shine Shetty
Every year, on January 14 (mom’s side) and April 29 (dad’s side), we have a huge gathering for Deivadha Mane. I’ve been attending this since I was a kid, but I have not been able to be consistent in the past decade. However, I realised that I have a responsibility to let the younger generation know the importance of staying true to their roots. To be honest, it is pure bliss to witness this live, there’s a very different kind of energy and aura.

Our entire family gets together for the Kola: Sharanya Shetty
I have been visiting Kundapura once a year for the kolas, as I feel these rituals keep me grounded. It is a family puja, and my mother’s side of the family does it. This is also the time when all our family gathers in our hometown, making it all the more special. Deiva Kolas are a way of showing our gratitude to the Gods for our life and good fortune. We celebrate divine energy through these pujas, and I have been a part of them for the past 15 years. Through these kolas, I get to speak to and see God live.

It’s a regular ritual at my wife’s hometown that I try not to miss: Vijay Raghavendra
I attended my 10th Deiva Kola in my (late) wife Spandana’s hometown, Belthangady. I remember the first time I was here, right after our wedding in 2007. I was stunned by the energy and devotion I witnessed. My faith in the ritual has only deepened with each visit. It’s an annual tradition in Spandana’s hometown, and while I couldn’t attend every year, I’ve always participated whenever I could.