Daiva: Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship

by K. Hari Kumar

The famous Kola performances of Tulu Nadu involve dancers who invite powerful, sacred spirits to possess them. Through the performers, and surrounded by vibrant colours and striking visuals, these spirits - known as Daiva - may settle disputes, provide guidance, grant blessings and pass judgement.

However, there is so much more to it than art and devotion. From Panjurli, the benevolent boar spirit to Bobbarya, guardian of the sea, this book explores it the kinds of Daiva, their stories, their individual natures and the ways in which they come to inhabit the devout.

In Daiva, bestselling author K Hari Kumar, brings you stories of powerful immortals along with details of their worship through mystifying rituals - all of which are known to leave onlookers awe-struck.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mythology, Spirituality

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2024

About the author

K. Hari Kumar is a celebrated author, screenwriter and filmmaker. He has authored 9 bestselling books with HarperCollins, including Daiva, Naaga, India’s Most Haunted and Dakini. He has penned the screenplay of Bhram, E and has appeared as a speaker on popular podcasts like The Ranveer Show, Dostcast, Speaking Tree, HT Smartcast, Aajtak, Radio One, etc. He currently hosts CHATURYA – THE FOURTH STATE, the trending Youtube Channel, where he explores fascinating tales and concepts from Indic Puranas, regional folklore, spirituality and global mythology.

K Hari Kumar's collection of horror short stories, India's Most Haunted - Tales of Terrifying Places, published by HarperCollins India is one of the highest selling horror story books in India. The Times Of India deemed it as a must-read horror book, and it was also listed in HarperCollins India’s hundred best books written by Indian authors. The Malayalam translation of India’s Most Haunted was published as Indiayile Prethalayangal by Mathrubhumi Books in March 2022. The book will be soon translated into Hindi as well.

Hari has been honoured with invitations to speak on his expertise at prestigious events such as Times Literature festival (Bangalore & Delhi), DAV United Literature Festival (Gurgaon & Delhi), Kumaon Literature Festival (Dhanacholi), Lit-O-Mania (Mumbai), and IISc’s Literature Festival (Bangalore). His insights have garnered attention from leading national newspapers, television channels, and podcasts, including the renowned The Ranveer Show that features India's top writers and film personalities.

Reviews

[Priyanka · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is spell binding for the readers who are new to the whole concept of Daiva; additionally, it clearly draws the distinction between Devru and Daiva. A well penned book. The number of Daivas are innumerablebut the author's attempt to draw the parallels between them and giving a gist about the most prominent ones which is prevalent in various parts of Dakshina Kannada, Mangalore and most of Coastal Karnataka is really appreciative.

Furthermore, the similarities in the cultural backdrops that exist between our Tulunadu and Kerala are brought out well. The author has ensured their locality uniqueness is retained and not tainted while drawing the similarities.

This is truly Daiva prerita Rachane...

Thank you for such amazing work. Looking forward for more such books. 🎉

[Mika Bhat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost 4 stars

A theme that definitely warranted a book. A coup d'œil into Tulunadu and the Daivas (spirits) of this region and its rich cultural heritage - a novelty in the main stream books indeed. Though this just skims the surface, it was much needed - to take the world further in to the realm of Daivas and dispel certain misconceptions about the same.

The book delves into the origin of the Daiva Aradhane/Bhuta kola (spirit worship), its many terminology, the costumes, the customs, the mystifying rituals and the various spirits venerated. The author keeps the text fairly simple which would appeal even to a non-reader. In fact his journey to this book is quite fascinating and introduces the reader to the many wonders & kaarnika (miracles) of these Daivas. He covers the popular Daivas' stories, their personas, and how they come to influence the devout. He further reiterates at every step that this is far from anything demonic, as perceived & documented by the British, who have ceaselessly misconstrued Indian or their colonies traditions from time immemorial.

The subject is reasonably elucidated, but where it falters is the jargon, the author fails to explain or offer immediate explanation to certain words which will definitely elude a non-Tulu speaker. He also, for the majority of the book fails to lend the pronunciations for many Tulu words which even for someone who understands Tulu like me could be hard to decipher. This at times leaves you a little disoriented, not something that I appreciate in a non-fiction specifically. The addition of a pronunciation glossary in the end would have sealed the deal for me.

If this oversight can be ignored, it is a definite pick-me-up. In addition, if you were one of those who were left wanting more after Kantara (2022 blockbuster on the same theme) this is quite a good exploration in to Tulunadu's unique cultural facet. And this would resonate with people like me (and the author) with origins there, but who hardly lived there yet vicariously live through its folktales while constantly being drawn towards its cultural resplendence. I hope this opens doors to many more explorations of this subject so that readers like me can revel in its abundance.

[Shashwath Hegde · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book needs to be read by everyone to understand the concept of daiva aaradhane in coastal Karnataka
For the coming generations this book is needed, as the stories are getting lost.

[Myinstabookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The things that we know are finite, the things we don't know are infinite. It is this infinite nature of this world that makes it such a fascinating and wondrous place. Who knows what lies beyond the veil that separates our physical realm from the sacred realm of spirits? Perhaps it is a place of great beauty and wonder, or perhaps it is just this world that exists everywhere. - K Hari Kumar.
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Daiva by K Hari Kumar is a book that explores beautiful and fascinating culture of Tulu Nadu - a hilly and relish green coast of southwestern part of Bharat ( coastal Karnataka and northern Kerala). Author in this book explores the spirits (Daivas, Daiva Aaradhane ( deity worship), spirit possessions, spirit dance forms, origin of Bhutas, role of deities in social structure of the region and and many other topics in part one and in part two he explores origin stories and forms of different deities like Panjurli (we saw in famous movie kantara), Guliga, Koragajja, jumadi, Siri and many other deities. This book is not an academic treatise and neither authors claims to be an expert on the subject, it is a tribute to his glorious culture and journey of a seeker who tried to probe into the spiritual aspects of folk beliefs.
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Spirits and spirit worship-
In most of the different ancient cultures in the world each deity has an origin story in the history of the culture. Some stories are lores and legends of ordinary people who achieved extraordinary feats in their lives and are worshipped for their benevolent acts by the regional people for example warriors bothers Koti and Chennaya of Tulu Nadu and some origin stories find their sources from ancient Bhartiya mythology where these deities are believed to be Ganas of Hindu gods like lord shiva and lord Vishnu. Ex- according to one story Panjurli deva is believed to be sent by lord shiva on earth to protect the people. Some spirits have multiple origin stories bc they were never written down just came down from generation to generation orally. To worship these spirits people might have created different ways to pacify them. most of these cultures have specific dances to pay tribute to their deities ex Kola in Tulu Nadu, the Cham dance in Tibetan Buddhism, Yanvalou dance in Benin, West Africa, Kalanga tribe dance in Zimbaabwe and many more in different cultures.
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Spirit possession and western views -
In many cultures spirit becomes a source for people to seek knowledge and guidance, the medium of communication can be some omens, signs or a person itself going into a trance state and talks for the deity. Now this is interesting bc the same is done in my community Jaunsar (Uttarakhand) author in this book also mentions it. In this a person enters in state of trance and becomes a bridge between the seeker and the divine. It also has cultural significance as well. People settle their disputes, seek guidance and blessings for the well being of their future.
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Western view and rationality-
Anthropologist William S. Simmons in 1620 wrote a “thought provoking” article in which he called Daiva aaradhane as devil worship, he referred locals as “possessed by evil spirits and and called them pagans”. In many other instances white men labelled our divine dances as devil dances. As author says “they failed to grasp the profound sense of connection to the local deities and the comfort they provided to believers in times of uncertainty and distress, simply because they lacked understanding of the culture”. Due to their narrow minded mess and intentions to establish their own religion as superior to all other beliefs in the world westerners failed to accept the alternate systems of beliefs, specially the folk religions.

[Pramod Divedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

#Daiva, not #Dev, after watching Kantara like all those who believe they ate rooted in culture, I was also proud. My little understanding or rather appreciation for the movie was because of my knowledge of Sthan Devta स्थानदेवता। a word I have heard so many times during innumerable Pujas we have done at home.

The moment I saw this book at Kolkata Airport, I had to buy it. The book opened me to a rational view on these semi gods (if I can say so) the humans who turned spirits. The book starts with differentiating between Western views on Devils and Exorcism and explains a simple word like Bhoot in India context. What west had taught to be Evil, DEvil isn't evil in Indian context. The book is as much as a detailed understanding of Bhoot, Daiva, and Kolas of Tulu Land ( Our Aishwarya Rai is from there) as its writer's journey to his roots. His experience and how divine intervention and guidance made him work on this scholarly piece of work.

A writer to many OTT series and movies, it's a must-read if you want to understand an aspect of India and also for me it was a break from reading about wars and AIs and history.

The book is as contemporary as it's history of Puranic times. Do read the fascinating stuff.

[Siddhant Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Non-fiction is not a genre of books I usually pick up, but when Hari comes up with one, the book deserves to be read. The book is divided into 2 sections. The first one “In Search of Satyolu” highlights the path and the research that Hari did to find the stories behind the second section, “The Stories of Satyolu.” The book is extremely well researched and I loved the passion that comes out from the writing in the book. Hari explores the culture of Tulu Nadu and while he explores the region and the stories of worship of the local spirit deities. The first half of the book also talks about the Tulu language and its current status in the country. Hari delves into each aspect of spirit worship, right from the difference between the spirits, the root of various words and how performance is an important part of the spirit worship in the region. One chapter that captivated my attention specifically was the one where the parts of the Kola performance have been explained. The detailed description keeps you intrigued and personally, I am now intrigued to experience atleast one Kola performance to understand the spirituality it represents. The significance of each aspect, each part of the entire performance, right from the materials being used to the way it is experienced was quite an eye-opener for me. Another aspect of the book is its personalization. The book is based on Hari’s experiences and his travels blended along with the local tales, and this is what made the book stand apart. His experiences and commentary are as important to the book as the research and the folk stories because that is what adds the flavor to the book, the connection with the present times. Hari also makes space to present sources for his research, as well as anecdotal evidence he encounters during his search for the stories. This adds a volume of credibility to the book.

Coming back to the book, reading a non-fiction title can become tedious at times due to its reliance on information, however something opposite happens in Daiva. As a reader, you are so invested in journeying along with Hari that you become a part of the book, and suddenly start experiencing the emotions that Hari presents time-to-time as a part of his travels. Another aspect that adds to the readability of the book is that it is divided into clear sections and you can take pre-defined breaks without losing track or the information.

The book is a wonderful peek into the culture of Tulu Nadu and the world of spirit worship. Living in cities and towns, we sometimes lose the very identity that makes us who we are, and this is an excellent example of how there are stories all around us which deserve to be told, and all we need is an inquisitive mind and drive to tell them. Daiva is a book that deserves to be read by all, to dispel some myths and preconceptions, as well as to understand an integral part of our own culture.

[Divya Shankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spirits and totems, their worship, divine possession, ritual dances & songs to venerate spirits - different regions of India, different countries of the world boast of a huge repertoire of stories on these subjects. Hari Kumar’s Daiva explores the above in a small region called Tulunadu extending from Udupi in Karnataka to Kasaragod in Kerala in SW India, the land of his ancestors. There is no doubt the movie Kantara that popularized ‘Bhutakola’ in most Indian households is a big reason for my picking the book, with my experience of watching ‘Theyyam’ as a child in my maternal grandmother’s village in N.Kerala being a bigger force.

With a clear disclaimer that the book is not an academic treatise or a critical analysis, the author neither a practicing expert nor a scholar on the subject, the 1st part of the book is dedicated to understanding the pulse of Tulunadu - the myth behind the land's creation, cultural practices, languages spoken in this verdant green, bountiful land.

Keeping it simple to start with by defining kola, the ritual dance used to express reverence to spirit deities (Satyolu) and seek counsel from them ; paaddanas, a manifestation of the folk song genre transmitted orally down generations, the author adds bulk defining myriad Tulu terms like nema, daiva, bhuta (not Hindi term Bhoot meaning ghosts), nudi. He explains a bhutakola in great detail- the attire, headgear, mask of the artist, preparations before a kola commences, how it begins, progresses and ends etc.

The 2nd part of the book compiles folklore surrounding these spirit deities, stories of the immensely popular Panjruli daiva, sibling deities - Kallurti and Kalkuda, valorous warrior spirits Koti Chennaya, Pilichandi (the tiger spirit), Siri, the spirit for women, fierce Guliga & more. The author's passion, devotion & fascination for the subject is evident not only in the introduction where he discusses how the book happened but shines all along. Tighter editing & more structure in the contents would have enriched the reading experience.

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, it is said; how this book works varies for a believer & for a skeptic, but for both, it clearly has lots to offer.

[When Stories Mean Everything · Rating 4 out of 5]

If 'Kantara' wasn't enough, go right ahead and pick this up.

Daiva by K. Hari Kumar is the author's spellbinding quest to gather a deeper understanding of his cultural roots. As he hails from Tulu Nadu, a region roughly spanning Northern Kerala and Southern Karnataka, a large part of that quest centres around the Kola tradition and spirit worship. The book dives into the origins and evolution of these beliefs, offering detailed descriptions of rituals and sharing folktales that shed light on significant deities. The book is not intended as an academic treatise or a critical analysis of the Tulu culture but rather a personal journey to bring the author closer to his roots. This is the first book in a series on folk mythology by Kumar. The second titled Naaga is coming out soon.

The author’s extensive research is evident throughout the book. In comparisons between Western and Tulu beliefs and examples from cultures like Zimbabwe's Amabhiza, Japan's Kagura and Tibetan Cham, he argues that Tulu practices are far from fantastical and effectively highlights the universal importance of spirit worship.

However, the prose, though eloquent, can be tedious and disengaging at times. Additionally, the author presents an imbalance in the representation of gender in spirit possession. While women are not excluded from possession, they seem to be confined to a specific set of spirits known as Siris, whereas many important deities—whether male, female, or androgynous—are reserved for men. This issue, however, is conspicuously left unaddressed by the author.

Although this was a slow read for me, I enjoyed it immensely. Readers who like reading about diverse cultures would find it insightful. Daiva is a window into Tulu Nadu’s fascinating traditions, even as it leaves room for further discussion on gender roles within these practices.

[Namratha · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Tuluva, our spiritual sensibilities are intrinsically linked with Naagas (Serpents) and Daivas (Spirits of the land) as they remain our past, present and future. They are our ancestors, our guardians, our well-wishers, settlers of disputes, passers of judgement, and the dispensers of punishment, should evil intentions manifest to an alarming degree.

While we venerate the devout members of our Hindu pantheon, visits to Mangalore are incomplete without paying our respects at our Naga Banas and Daivasthaanas. I have grown up being in awe and respectable fear of their stories, been thankful enough to be witness the the grand spectacle of Kolas (elaborate rituals of spirit worship), and grateful to have their kind gaze upon our lives.

So, when I saw this book at Sapna BookHouse in Mangalore, I had to pick it up. To absorb in words, what has only been passed down by our families and friends, was a lure too compelling for the avid reader in me. And the author has done immense justice to Tulunadu through his lyrical prose and profound respect for the Daivas and their undeniable presence.

He paints a vivid portrayal of the history and cultural sensibilities of Tulunadu, the legends of the immortal Daivas, the various steps that come together in executing a Kola, and the undeniable thrill of magic in the air when you know the vessel has been possessed by a force too powerful to fathom.

As the interest in Daivas has piqued, courtesy the resounding success of the regional thriller Kantara (and especially, that magnificent climax)…this book acts as an effective medium in understanding the lore of the Daivas better. With a healthy amount of respect and awe, I recommend this book wholeheartedly.

[Abhishek Shetty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in the beliefs, stories and rituals behind the famous Kola performances of Tulu Nadu that involve dancers who invite powerful, sacred spirits to possess them. I grew up listening to many of these folktales and was fortunate to see a Kola performance as a young child. I came to this book with lots of questions and it helped me find many of the answers I was seeking about the purpose of these importance rituals in that part of the world. The first half of the book gives you a larger understanding of the geography, history and cultural elements of the region in which this form of worship exists. The second half of the book looks at the various deities that people worship in TuluNadu which is situated in the coastal region of Southern Karnataka and Northern Kerala. I would recommend listening to some of the podcasts released by K.Hari Kumar on this topic and watching the wonderful 'Kantara' series of films to learn more about this belief system. You can also follow the notes and references given at the end of this book or talk to someone from the region. I would recommend reading it with an open mind, no matter what your religious beliefs or background. It did help me understand how certain customs and rituals can provide comfort in difficult times. It got me thinking about how religion can help build community by bringing people together consistently during the year. It also helped me understand how people around the world develop belief based rituals and practices that are closely connected to their daily lives and immediate physical environment.

[_booksagsm · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Daiva: Discovering the Extraordinary World of Spirit Worship" by K. Hari Kumar delves into the fascinating realm of spirit worship and rituals in India. The book explores the rich cultural and spiritual traditions surrounding 'Daiva' worship, which is prevalent in certain regions of the country.
Book talks about Tulu Nadu, the land of tulu speaking people spreads over to parts of present Karnataka and Kerala. This region consists of the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts of Karnataka and the northern parts of the Kasaragod district of Kerala up to Chandragiri River.

The narrative is enriched with detailed descriptions of the Kola, a traditional performance that brings the spirits to life through dance and ritual. The author successfully demystifies many misconceptions about Daiva worship, often misunderstood by outsiders, particularly during colonial times. By sharing personal anecdotes and well-researched stories, Kumar provides a comprehensive look into the significance of these spirits and their role in the social and cultural life of the region.

The book offers a rich cultural insight and hence,"Daiva" stands out as an essential read for anyone curious about the mystical and cultural heritage of Tulunadu. It not only explores the spiritual aspects but also celebrates the region's identity and traditions, inviting readers to experience a world that is both ancient and vibrant.

[Ritaban Biswas · Rating 5 out of 5]

In general, I'm not a big fan of non-fiction, but Daiva, a mythological history genred-book, is an exception. I could go on for hours about how much this book has taught me about the rich history, geography, and culture of Tulu Nadu as well as the need of thorough research and clear writing in non-fiction writing.

Beginning with Tulu Nadu's location and formation (more specifically, how it was made), Daiva discusses the Tuluvas, the meaning of spirit worship to the locals, the history and description of Kolas, their performance, the different kinds of spirits, Satyolus's stories, and much more.

Daiva is a work of art unto itself, split between two large chapters. The cherry on top was Hari Kumar's style of writing and storytelling these wonderful stories.

This text shares several commonalities, such as the author's correction that "Bhutas" should not be "feared," but rather venerated. He has made an effort to dispel numerous myths about Tulu culture. I really like the origin stories of Jumadi and Panjurli. One thing unites the origins of most of these deities: an unending thirst and hunger.

For those who enjoyed Kantara and are passionate about Tulu Nadu or Indian culture in general, Daiva is a must-read. Truly, the realm of Spirit Worship is really as distinctive as it gets.

[Anoop Rai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Daiva by Hari Kumar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Daiva by Hari Kumar is a brilliantly illustrated and deeply researched book that brings the sacred tradition of Tulunaadu’s Daiva and Satya worship to life. For a long time, I had been looking forward to such a book in English, and I’m glad I discovered it through Ranveer’s podcast with the author.

The book is well-structured, combining field research with rich illustrations, detailed accounts of paddanas (oral epics), and the origins of almost all Daiva stories. It also draws fascinating connections between Tulunaadu’s Bhootaradhane and Kerala’s Theyyam traditions, showing their shared cultural roots.

Hari Kumar deserves appreciation for his meticulous work in covering the various Daivas, including Panjurli, Guliga, and others, along with the rituals, symbolism, and methods of worship. The writing makes the subject approachable for readers around the world, offering both spiritual depth and cultural context.

This book is not only valuable for people from Tulunaadu but also a must-read for global readers and leaders interested in understanding the essence of Daiva worship.

A well-deserved 5 stars to Hari Kumar for this outstanding contribution.

[Rt_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Daiva" by K Hari Kumar is a captivating journey into the mystical realm of the Kola performances in Tulu Nadu. The book intricately weaves together the stories of powerful spirits like Panjurli and Bobbarya, showcasing the vibrant and sacred traditions of inviting these entities to possess the dancers. Through vivid descriptions and engaging narratives, the author brings to life the colorful world where art, devotion, and spirituality intertwine. Readers are treated to a mesmerizing exploration of the rituals and practices that form the heart of these performances, offering a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage of Tulu Nadu. "Daiva" is a must-read for those seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of sacred spirits, mystifying rituals, and the profound connection between humans and the divine. With its rich storytelling and detailed insights, this book is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone intrigued by the mystical traditions of Tulu Nadu.

[Sahana Hebbar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and well researched book. This book takes the readers you into the realm of sprit world. 

Even though I have watched many kolas as a kid , I never understood the meaning and significance of Daivaradhane. Reading this answered few of my questions
The author explains different spirits / daivas and their  background in tandom with the local heritage. 

I found some of the stories had too many references and hard to comprehend but overall it gives you the gist of the story. 

Ever after many years even today the Daiva aradhana is deeply revered which makes it timeless! 

If you want to understand the rich culture and sprit of Tulunadu, it's a great book to start! 

[B. BALA CHANDER · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kantara movies inspired to read this book to know more about the kola festival and Daivas. The unfortunate thing was we stayed in Mangalore suratkal from 1992-1995 but we were totally ignorant about this culture . In 2024 April 30th we attended and saw the festival at Kulai temple .
The author ‘s mother tongue being Tulu captured many stories , what he got thru hearsay and now nicely documented. An endorsement from actor Rishab Shetty would have given more publicity thereby ihis book would be reaching to non Tulus , non Kannadigas and others ….

[Guruprasad Shenoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who, like me, loves delving into the 'why' behind traditions, this book is a treasure. The author truly brings the world of Kola to life, with rich detail and cultural context. The divas' stories were a highlight, offering fascinating origin tales. While I was thoroughly absorbed for the most part, there were a few points where the narrative felt a little disjointed, momentarily breaking the spell.

[Bharath Agnihothri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A meticulously researched exploration of spirit worship in Karnataka and Kerala, delving into its rich history and captivating tales from the region. As someone from this area, reading these stories evokes a deep sense of nostalgia. This book is an ideal choice for anyone eager to learn more about spirit worship and the enchanting folktales of South India.

[Bhagya Kulal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers can learn about a little-known facet of Indian spirituality and culture through the book's immersive experience and detailed portrayal. The distinctive subject matter and the author's commitment to conserving Tulu Nadu's rich folklore make it stand out

[Mishika Nijhawan]

I found the first part of this book rather textbookish and the language in the first part was very rigid. I think the first part was explaining things rather than telling a story. The second part of the book on the other hand contained many interesting stories and was very well written.

[Rashmi Ananthakrishna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't say I liked it entirely. The starting part was really interesting. But as the stories of different daivas started, it felt like a bit repetition. It is a well researched informations in the book. But felt, could have been better. Really liked content-wise.

[PRANATHI S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a fascinating and unputdownable read! Connected me to my roots at Tulu Naadu.

[Asha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book, detailed history of Bhutas and Daivas of tulunad

[Sobham Panja · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very comprehensive introduction to the world of Tulu Nadu, Bhuta Kola, the Tuluva culture and the various deities that are being worshipped.

[Vijay Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deep research into the Tulu world of spirit worship made extra special by digging up the tales associated with each spirit...something I had been searching for since a long time.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daiva aaradhane, or the worship of spirit deities is an intrinsic part of Tulu culture. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the same as “ghost worship”. Bhuta are spirits of long dead heros, and in this extraordinary book, the author takes us on a quest to unravel the mysteries of the spirit world and to describe the ritualistic aspects of the worship, especially the ritualistic kola dance where the spirits possess the body of the dancer and communicate through him.
Whether you believe in spirit worship or not, it is worth reading this book since it depicts a fascinating aspect of our culture and because it reminds us that even if as city dwellers we have lost touch with our culture and identity, it is not too late to try to rediscover them. The quest, as the author shows, will be worth it.
I received an ARC of the book from Harper Collins and reviewed the book for YouthKiAwaaz. The detailed review can be accessed here: https://nuts2406.medium.com/74ec858d50b2