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, unlike a Southern one, normally dressed in green or yellow. 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.
And coffee is found throughout Coorg, literally. It is cultivated extensively and used as a beverage too. A visit to Coorg cannot be complete without savouring some delicious Coorg coffee. For the adventurous at heart, stay in Coorg is recommended on a coffee plantation, with coffee plantation owners playing host. A great experience!
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. Another execption among the Hindus is the serving of non-vegetarian dishes and liquor in the weddings of the Kodava community.
Festivals: The traditional festivals of the Kodavas are associated with either the agricultural or the military nature of its people.
Keilpoldu or Keilmurta From June to September the Kodavas are fully devoted to agriculture. September marks the end of the sowing of the paddy as also the season of agricultural work. Keilpoldu, or the festival of arms, is the day when all the weapons and arms are removed, polished, worshipped and taken up once again. The occasion is marked by festivities that include a great feast followed by a gathering at the village green for sports and games. Races are conducted and competitions of marksmanship are held. As the grand finale the men usually set out on hunt.
Kaveri Shankaramana Observed in October, this festival is associated with the river Cauvery, which has a very big influence in a Kodava’s life. As agriculturists, their entire economy and prosperity depends on availability of water, amply provided by the river Cauvery, which flows through the district.
On this auspicious day in October at a pre-determined time, mother Cauvery springs like a fountain from a small tank and fills the bigger holy tank in Talacauvery, the point of origin of the river. People throng the place in thousands to take a holy dip in this water. This water is filled in bottles and reaches every house in Kodagu and this is treated as Theertha - meaning holy water.
Puthari (Huthari) is the traditional harvest festival known for a variety of folk songs and dances being displayed. It is observed in November/December. Each village presents its own set of discipline and dances during the annual fairs at its temple, which is the main centre of cultural activities. When the Paddy Crop is ready for the harvest, a little crop is cut, bound in small bunches and handed out to all those present to be taken home and preserved as a sign of prosperity.
Bhagawathi Feast It is a lesser-known festival celebrated during March or April. It is a nine-day festival.
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