Festivals of Coorg: A Celebration of Culture, Community and Harvest

Coorg, also known as Kodagu, is a region where traditions are deeply rooted in nature, family, and community life. The festivals celebrated here are more than just rituals, they are vivid expressions of identity and heritage. If you plan your visit around these festivals, your stay at Jayasvi Inn in Virajpet becomes more than a holiday. It becomes a journey into the soul of Coorg.

Kali Podh or Kali Muhurtha

This festival is celebrated in early September and is deeply connected to Coorg’s agricultural and martial traditions. It marks the end of the paddy planting season. Families clean and worship their traditional weapons, including swords and rifles. It is common to see ceremonial displays of these weapons and hear the sounds of coconut shooting contests in the distance. Traditional meals are prepared, featuring steamed rice cakes and pork curry. The atmosphere is festive, yet filled with a sense of ancestral respect.

Kaveri Sankramana

Held in mid October, this is one of the most spiritual festivals in Coorg. It celebrates the moment when the River Kaveri is believed to spring to life at its origin in Talacauvery. On this day, people collect the holy water and take it back to their homes for blessings. Women perform a special ritual called Kani Puja by offering a decorated coconut or vegetable as a symbol of Goddess Kaveri. Homes are filled with prayers and strictly vegetarian meals. It is a day of gratitude for the life and prosperity the river brings.

Madikeri Dasara

Madikeri Dasara is Coorg’s grand celebration of devotion, art and community. For ten days, the town comes alive with lights, music and traditional dances. Huge temple themed structures called Mantapas are decorated with vibrant scenes from mythology and paraded through the streets at night. Each one is accompanied by drums, lights and folk performances. On the final day, the Karaga procession brings together people from every part of town in a powerful and emotional finale. Madikeri Dasara is one of the most visually stunning and energetic festivals in Karnataka.

Puthari

Puthari is the harvest festival of Coorg, celebrated with great joy in late November or early December. It begins in the fields where families gather to cut the first sheaf of paddy while shouting “Poli Poli Deva” in gratitude. The day continues with cooking and sharing traditional meals like steamed rice dumplings, sweet payasa, and spicy pork dishes. The festival brings extended families together and is deeply connected to the land and its bounty.

Why These Festivals Are Worth Experiencing

Each of these festivals reflects a different part of Coorg’s identity, from its warrior roots and spiritual traditions to its artistic flair and deep connection to agriculture. Participating in or witnessing these celebrations allows visitors to experience the heart of Kodava life in a way that no sightseeing tour can match.

Experience the Spirit of Coorg at Jayasvi Inn

At Jayasvi Inn in Virajpet, you are perfectly located to explore the cultural richness of Coorg. Our peaceful estate setting and warm hospitality make it easy to enjoy these festivals while staying connected to local life. Whether you want to attend the Kaveri Sankramana rituals, join in the Madikeri Dasara celebration or enjoy a peaceful harvest evening during Puthari, we are here to make your visit seamless and meaningful.

Plan Your Cultural Stay with Us

Discover the rhythm of Coorg through its festivals. Stay at Jayasvi Inn and be part of traditions that have lived on for generations.

Location: Jayasvi Inn, Virajpet, Coorg
 Contact: +91 8105063071
 Website: jayasviinn.com

Early check in and local support available during festival seasons.