Location || Coorg|

TRADITION

Distinct Culture What strikes a first-time visitor to Coorg is probably its stunning beauty - both, of nature and of the people. Not only is Coorg beautiful to look at but its people are equally good looking. They are a fun-loving race, very friendly and pure of heart. 

Though Coorg is situated in Karnataka in the South of India, the marriage customs of the land seem a mix of the North and South along with some distinct customs of its own. The bride is always dressed in red just like a North Indian bride. The groom’s attire is quite different from that of other Indian grooms. But he always carries a Peechekathi (traditional dagger) reminiscent of the long sword carried by the Northern groom.

. It is said about the Coorgs (or Kodavas as they are locally known) “They are easier to love than to like.” One of the most hospitable people in India, the doors of their homes are always open to guests. Cosmopolitan in their outlook, they make friends easily.

They worship ancestors and the river Cauvery as mother Goddess, while Lord Iggutappa is the presiding deity. Most of the temples in villages have their origin in Kerala.  The Brahmins from the Uttara/Dakshina (north/ south) Kannada districts look after the temples.

Coorg can be called a land of Generals-  Field Marshall Cariappa, the first Commander-in-Chief of free India, and General Thimmayya being the most well known of the lot. Almost every household has at least one person serving in the defense force. The birth of a male child, as well as their death ceremonies, are still celebrated with a gun salute.

Languages
Coorg has its own language known as “Kodava Tak”. It has no script. It is a combination of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam with Kannada being the most influential of the three. Appaneravanda Appachakavi and Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa are two famous poets and writers of the Kodava language.

Folk Dances & Songs: The “Janapada” (folk) songs rendered during marriages, parties and at the time of deaths and births, even during fairs are very philosophical and have a lot of meaning. Most folk songs are related to specific occasions and there seems to be a song for almost every occasion. Huttariya kunitha, bolukata, ummathata, kolata, olagathata and kathiyata are some of the folk dances of the Coorgs.

Attire: The Coorg attire is a little different from that of other Indian states. Men wear a traditional ‘Kupya’ or long, black, button less, short sleeved, V-neck coat, reaching below the knees and a ‘chaley’, a beautifully tasselled silken sash, at the waist. The ‘peechekathi’ or dagger is tucked in the sash at the right side. The ‘Mande Thuni” or turban, is flat at the top with ‘jari’ all around. Women wear the sari in a distinct fashion where the pallu doesn't go over the shoulder but goes around the back, over the right shoulder and a beautifully crafted pin on the right collarbone holds it in place.

Customs: The dowry system quite prevalent among most Hindu communities is almost unknown here. Marriage ceremonies although held in traditional dresses, are performed without a Brahmin or puja. The elders help in the rituals and bless the couples.

Festivals: The traditional festivals of the Kodavas are associated with either the agricultural or the military nature of its people.

Keilpodu,Puthari (Huthari) and Kaveri Shankaramana Observed in October are the main festivals.