Malethirike shrine, located near the villages of Karada and Palangala in Kodagu. Photo by Mookonda Kushalappa. L ike many traditional Kodava shrines, Malethirike has no walls or roof. Worship takes place in the open, amidst nature. Five lingas—cylindrical symbols of Shiva—are placed at the base of large trees. A forest stairway leads devotees to this sacred spot. The shrine is linked to the Pandavas, who are believed to have worshipped here. Locals point to a nearby open space said to have...

Bollajira B. Aiyappa has worn several hats; he is a social worker, journalist, publisher, editor and actor. He is well-known in Kodagu as the founder president of the Codava Makkada Coota organisation which has published more than 120 books so far. Q: Can you tell us about your family members and your education? A: We are originally from Hudikeri. My father Bollajira Bopaiah is a retired sub-inspector. My mother Yasodha was born in the Ajjamada family. My wife Yamuna was born in the Mannera...

Harvest dance (Puththari Kol Aat) by Bangalore Kodava Samaja members. P. C. DakshinaChitra. V irtual Museum Sandooka – The Living Museum of Kodava Culture is a virtual (online) museum for Kodava heritage and culture. At present, there are over 60 stories across eleven categories on the museum website: Architecture, Arts and Crafts, Community Histories, Clothes and Jewellery, Cuisine, Customs and Rituals, Festivals, History of Coorg, Landscape, Literature and Folklore and Point of View. The...