‘Daiva’, by bestselling author K Hari Kumar, explores stories of powerful immortals along with details of their worship through mystifying rituals – all of which are known to leave onlookers awe-struck. This is the first in the series of books by K. Hari Kumar on folk mythology and the occult.
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 all: the kinds of Daiva, their stories, their individual natures, and the ways in which they come to inhabit the devout.
Published by HarperCollins India, ‘Daiva’ by K. Hari Kumar, will be released on 17 May on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
K. Hari Kumar is an Indian author and screenwriter who has written seven books including the widely popular India’s Most Haunted which earned acclaim as a must-read book and secured a spot in HarperCollins India’s list of Hundred Best Books by Indian Authors. Hari’s narratives, deeply rooted in Indian folklore and regional mythology, have captured the imagination of readers nationwide.
Beyond his literary endeavours, K. Hari Kumar also works as a screenwriter and filmmaker. His novel The Other Side of Her was adapted into the acclaimed Hindi language web series Bhram. Educated in Gurugram, K. Hari Kumar holds a B.Tech. in Information Technology and a B.A. in English Literature. Presently residing in Pune with his wife, he remains committed to nurturing his creative pursuits.
The book has garnered praise from notable author Amish Tripathi. He says, “To read Daiva is to experience a world that few from modern urban India have access to. It is to immerse oneself in the realm of spirit worship, which comes to life through Hari’s tireless research and spellbinding woodcraft.”
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