The striking characteristic of Coorg is probably its stunning beauty - both, of nature and its people. The marriage rituals of North and South are finely blended along with some distinctive customs of its own. The bride carries herself in red just like a North Indian bride. The groom's outfit is dissimilar from other Indian grooms. However he always carries a Peechekathi (traditional dagger) reminiscent of the long sword carried by the Northern groom usually.
Coffee is regarded as an important branch of Coorg's culture. A visit to Coorg is incomplete if you have not tasted some aromatic Coorg coffee. It is cultivated extensively and used as a beverage too.
Coorg has its own distinct language known as "Kodava Tak". It is an amalgamation of Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam with Kannada. The legends of Kodava poetry and writings are Appaneravanda Appachakavi and Nadikeriyanda Chinnappa, who made this language famous.
There seems to be a song for almost all occasion. The "Janapada" (folk) songs are sung during marriages, parties, deaths, births, and even during fairs. These folk songs touch the core of your heart and soul. Huttariya kunitha, bolukata, ummathata, kolata, olagathata and kathiyata are some of the folk dances of the Coorg.
The Coorg clothing is distinct. The men folk wear traditional 'Kupya' or long, black, button less, short sleeved, V-neck coat, reaching below the knees and a 'chaley', a beautifully tasseled 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. The women folk are dressed up in sari, 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.
Marriage ceremonies are performed without a Brahmin or puja. The elders bless the newly married couples. The marriage rituals of North and South are finely blended along with some distinctive customs of its own. The dowry system is an unknown concept here. A unique characteristic is the serving of non-vegetarian dishes and liquor in the weddings of the Kodava community, which is rare among the Hindu community.
The traditional festivals of the Kodavas are related to agricultural and military nature of Coorg people. Keilpoldu, or the festival of arms, is the day when all the weapons and arms are removed, polished, worshipped and taken up once again. It is observed from June to September. The occasion is marked by festivities that include a great feast followed by a gathering at the village green for sports and games.
Kaveri Shankaramana is observed in October. This festival is associated with the river Cauvery, which has a very big influence in a Kodava's life. People mob the place in thousands to take a holy dip in this water.
Puthari (Huthari) is the traditional harvest festival known for a variety of folk songs and dances being displayed. It is observed in November or 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. Bhagawathi Feast is a lesser-known festival celebrated during March or April. It is a nine-day festival. .
