About:
Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is an administrative district in Karnataka, India. Coorg or Kodagu means 'dense forest on steep hill'. The people of Kodagu are called as the Kodavas and are native speakers of Kodava language (Coorgi). The kodavas are a distinctive race of India known for their bravery since ages and are the only race in India that has been permitted to acquire guns without a licence. Every kodava name includes their clan/family name by which they are identified.
Economy of Coorg:
Coorg is a rural region and most of its economy is based on forestry, agriculture and plantations. Coorg is one of the most prosperous districts in the state of Karnataka. Coffee is the major cash crop of the town of Coorg. The two most popular types of coffee that are grown in Coorg are Robusta and Arabica. The mainstay in the economy of the district of Coorg are pepper, coffee and cardamom. Paddy is farmed once per year and the majority of the agriculture in Coorg is fed by rain. Horticultural products such as pepper, cardamom, bananas and oranges are inter-planted within the estates of coffee. Other crops such as arecanut, ginger, coconut and some spices are also cultivated here.
Recently, tourism has also become a major contributor to the economy of Coorg. If you want to sit back, relax and enjoy a good vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Coorg hill station is the best place for you. Coorg is also called the "Scotland of India" because of its beautiful scenic views and greenary.
Traditional Attire:
Coorgs or Kodavas are distinguished from other Indian communities by their customs, traditions, beliefs, family structure, food and traditional attire. The attractive kodava dress, unique from the rest of Indian traditional wear, has its own value in the kodava community.
The men wear black knee length over coat that reaches until elbow (Kupya) with a scarlet sash (Chaley) carrying a silver dagger (Peechekathi) and a gilded turban (Mande Tuni]).
Women of Coorg wear their sari in a unique way with the pleats tucked in the back and the pallu taken under the left arm and over the right shoulder where it is fastened with a traditional pin or brooch.
Kodava Cuisine:
The mainstay of Coorg cuisine is rice. The people of Coorg use the rice in several of their native dishes that are prepared in many different ways. The aaki oti is a unique type of crispy rice bread. Kodava fare is essentially non-vegetarian except when feasting during Kaveri Shankramana when the food is strictly vegetarian.
The all-time favorite dish in Coorg is pork in which a special kind of vinegar called "Kachampulli" is used that is made out of wild berries. No true Coorg wedding is complete without Kadambuttu & Pandi Kari ( Rice Dumplings & Pork Curry ), Noolputtu & Koli Kari ( Rice Noodles & Chicken Curry).
Different dishes are prepared by the people of Coorg at different times throughout the year depending on the different festivals and ingredient availability and usage. Coorg hospitality is legendary and both invited and non-invited guests are welcome to join any family for a meal.
Kodava Festivals:
The cultural life of the people of Coorg centers on the village and the family. Religious festivals, marriages, births and the three major festivals of Kailmuhurtha or Kailpodh, Kaveri sankramana and Huthri or Puttari are the main events of the lives of the people of the town of Coorg.
When the end of the paddy sowing has come to pass and the close of the agricultural working season is near, it is time for the Kailpodh festival.
The Kaveri Sankramana festival normally takes place in mid-October. It is associated with the river Kaveri, which flows through the district from its source at Talakaveri. At a predetermined time, when the sun enters Tula Rasi (Tula sankramana), a fountain from a small tank fills the larger holy tank at Talakaveri. Kaveri Shankramana is the only Coorg festival at which only vegetarian cuisine is served.
Puttari means “new rice” and is the rice harvest festival. When the crops are ready for harvest and the moon is full, every village and every family come together and pray to the gods, thanking them for another plentiful year.
Coorg is known for its hospitability of people and beautiful scenery. This is one of the best destinations for nature lover in India.
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