Culture and Tradition

The culture and tradition of Tulunadu is quite different from other parts of Karnataka. Tulunadu is a distinct cultural zone that possesses a heritage of long and diverse cultural tradition which is unique in many ways. The distinct language, history, culture, beliefs and practices of the people attracted the attention of the visitors. 

In tulunad, the roof of the house is constructed using Odil(Mangalore tiles) and beautiful traditional wooden doors. The house has bedrooms, store room, kitchen, bathroom etc., The open space in front of the house beyond the main gate is called jaal. Tulsi Katte(Pot holding the holy basil plant) is found in the courtyard of a Hindu house.

A man wears a piece of white cloth around his waist (called mundu), a shirt and a short towel on his shoulders. A woman wears a saree.

Agriculture and Fishing form the major occupation of the people of the coastal area. Rice, areca nut, coconut, pulses, wheat, ragi are the commercial crops. Women sing paddana (field song) while planting paddy.

Agriculture field

Coconut farm

Fishing

Some of the people in tulunad still continue to raise cattle in their houses. Traditionally cows were raised as members of the family and treated as a mother (gau matha) because they give milk. Tuluvas worship cows as it is believed that it is an avatar of the divine Kamadhenu.