JUMADI
Like Panjurli, Jumadi too has votaries in all parts of the district. It is worshipped in different forms like Searaal jumaadi, juumudu jumaadi, kundoovu jumaadi, kaanteer jumaadi, jumadi marulu, male jumaadi etc. The name is Sanskrit red as dhumaavati and hence the spirit is considered as the incarnation of Mother Goddess. But in fact Jumadi is half-male and half female as can be inferred from the attributes of moustache as well as breast in the idol as well as the customers of the impersonator. In certain shrines only a breast plate is worshipped Cock, tender coconut, rice and other objects are offered. Jumadi kola is performed with great pomp. The impersonator performs violent dances with a square shaped head-dress and elaborate ornamentation. The impersonator is assisted by another impersonator dancer representing the dumb servant –spirit known as bante, who provides some entertainment to the audience by his exotic behavior and gesticulations. The story of the origin of this spirit is given in legend already presented in the preceding pages.