Kodavas follow Hinduism but are more liberal and independent than any other Hindu in performing marriage, divorce, remarriage, festivals, worship, ceremonies, dialect and dress. They worship Karana (ancestors) as family deity, Kaveri as Godmother and Iggutappa as presiding deity. Most of the temples in villages have their origin from Kerala and routine maintenance is by Brahmins from Uttara/Dakshina Kannada districts.

"Young persons under sixteen years of age are not married in Coorg. Exceptions from this wholesome rule are very rare. It is to be hoped that the Coorgs will ever be preserved from the misery of Child-marriages" From Gazetteer of Coorg, Compiled by G. Richter, first published in 1870. Dowry system is almost unknown here and marriage ceremony with traditional dress and without a Brahmin or puja or mangalasutra, but with non-vegetarian dishes and liquor are unique of Kodava community.
   
The festivals of Coorg are very few. The Kaveri Feast in Tula-Masa in October and (Puthari) Huttari (Harvest Feast) in November. or December are the two major annual festivals.

The Kaveri Feast

In the middle of October, Coorg decks itself in bridal splendour for the grand Kaveri Feast. The Bhagamandal Temple in the middle of Kaveri Valley with its copper roof is the place where the festivities are held. One or two representatives from each Coorg house makes it to the festival. pilgrims bathe in the sacred stream before they enter the temple. This festival has all the para phernalia associated with it, like mendicants, fakirs & colorfully dressed people. And all the pilgrims stride thru the verdant locales of Coorg. It is rightly so that the feast is religiously celebrated by all Coorgs. Also by calling River Cauvery as Mother Cauvery, life-line of three southern states.

The Huttari Feast (Puthari)

The Huttari Feast is held to celebrate the Annual rice harvest.This name is derived from the Malayalam word "Pudi-ari"(new rice), transformed grammatically into Coorg as huttari. It generally occurs in the month of October or November. The specialities of Huttari Feast include pork and brandy. One may be surprised this used to be afeast of ten days with lot of theatrical performances in the evenings. the harvest festival known for varieties of folk dances 3 months after Onam in Kerala, Kailpoud the ayudhapuja with shooting competition and sports on 3rd September and village temples with its own set of discipline and dances during the annual fairs are the main centres of cultural activities  

Bhagawathi Feast
It is a lesser known festival celebrated during March or April. It is a nine day festival.

The Keilmurta Festival
This is celebrated during the month of July/August. This day used to be celebrated as the day of joy for the youth. On this festival all the weapons of the house are worshipped. the festival ends with sports(in earlier days, hunting).
  
The Puranic version is upheld to this day with Annual fair at Balamuri about 4 km from Murnad, every year in the morning succeeding Thirthodbhava at Tala Kaveri, Kannipuje at home by ladies etc. Sari style of Kaveri with the knot back at Balamuri is retained to this day by Kodava community.

Economic Wealth
Coffee, cardamom, pepper. paddy, orange, timber and honey known as ‘Coorg Honey' are the major products of this district. Tea, rubber. Arecanut, coconut, citrus fruits, pineapple, papaya, plantain, piggery and poultry are also available from the district. Muslims hold the major business network in the district.