Languages & Traditions of Karnataka
. Official & Spoken Languages
- Kannada (Official Language) – The predominant language spoken by over 70% of the population.
- Tulu – Spoken in coastal Karnataka (Mangaluru, Udupi), with a distinct culture.
- Konkani – A coastal language spoken in Karwar and Udupi.
- Kodava (Coorgi) – A language spoken in Coorg, known for its unique dialect and traditions.
- Urdu, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi – Widely spoken by different communities.
2. Religious & Cultural Traditions
- Karnataka has a multi-religious society, where Hinduism, Jainism, Islam, and Christianity coexist harmoniously.
- Ancient Temples & Rituals: The state is famous for Dravidian-style temples, many of which date back over 1,000 years.
- Jain Heritage: Shravanabelagola is one of the most important Jain pilgrimage sites.
- Coorg Warrior Traditions: The Kodavas of Coorg have a distinct martial heritage and worship ancestral deities.
- Traditional Wedding Rituals: Kannada weddings are simple yet rich in traditions, with unique customs like Kashi Yatra and Dhare Herdu (water-pouring ceremony).
