Kodagu

Kodagu/Coorg also known as Kodava Naad is an administration district in Karnataka. The district is bordered by Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kasargod(Kerala) and Mysore.

Kodagu, the densely wooded God’s own paradise is nestled in between the western ghats that run from North to South. River Cauvery considered as one of the seven holy rivers in India, rises at Tala Cauvery in the Brahmagiri range of the Western ghats and flows down serving the people of Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

Kodava culture and tradition

Kodavas are an ethno-linguistic dominant group from the region of Kodagu in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, who natively speak the Kodava language.

They are traditionally land-owning agriculturists and patrilineal, with martial customs. Kodavas worship ancestors and weapons. They used to worship Swords, bows, arrows and later guns. Hence, Kodavas are the only ones in India permitted to carry firearms without a license.

Kodava culture and tradition

Kodavas are an ethno-linguistic dominant group from the region of Kodagu in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, who natively speak the Kodava language.

The Kodavas are the dominant community of Kodagu. Kodava traditions and cultures are unique and rich.

Kodavas wear the traditional Kodava costume. Men wear Kuppyas (knee-lenght half-sleeved coats) over a full-sleeved white shirt. “Chale’ i.e. a maroon and gold sash is tied at the waist and an ornately carved silver dagger known as ‘Pecchekathi’ is tucked into it. Odikath’ is yet another knife that is tucked into the Chale at the back. Furthermore, a chain with a minuscule gun and a dagger hanging onto it give them a martial look. The saris worm by women are pleated at the back and the pallu fixed with a brooch is also wrapped in a unique way They wear either a full-sleeved or three-quarter sleeved blouse and cover their head with a scarf. A traditional gold beaded necklace (Jomalae) and a gem-pendant (Kokkethathi) is worn by kodavas

Kodagu - A crib of Indian Hockey

Kodagu, Karnataka, has been famous for its natural beauty, hockey, participation in the military force and its most famous export, coffee.

Ever heard of a game of hockey being used as a catalyst for the development of a community? That is precisely what is happening in coorg during the month of April and May. The clan of Kodavas in the Indian state of Karnataka have a long history of association with the game of field hockey. The district of Kodagu which is the land of the Kodavas is considered as the cradle of Indian hockey. More than 50 Kodavas have represented India in international hockey tournaments, out of which 16 have also participated in Olympics. A brainchild of Pandanda Kuttappa, an ex-first division referee, the tournament started in 1997 with the participation of 60 teams. There are times when the army has come in looking to recruit players based on their hockey talent.

Festivals of Kodagu

Kodavas traditionaly celebrate the following three main festivals peculiar to Kodagu alone (two are cultural and one religious)- Kail Podh, Kaveri Changrandi (Tula Sankramana) and Puthari (Harvest Festival)

Eminent Kodavas

The Kodavas have contributed immensely towards the growth of the Indian nation, despite them being in small numbers. Their most significant contributions are in the armed forces and in sports. Originally being land-owning militiamen farmers from Kodagu, hence their traditional twin occupations were as agriculturists and as soldiers. Field Marshal Cariappa of the Rajput Regiment and General Thimayya of the Kumaon Regiment were the most distinguished army-men among the Kodavas.

Destination Beyond Imagination

Kodava culture and tradition

Kodava culture and tradition

Kodava Costume

The Kodavas are the dominant community of Kodagu. Kodava traditions and cultures are unique and rich.

Kodagu - A crib of Indian Hockey

Kodagu, Karnataka, has been famous for its natural beauty, hockey, participation in the military force and its most famous export, coffee.

Festivals of Kodagu

Eminent Kodavas

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