Dakshina Kannada can be said as land of culture, tradition and rituals. Even today, most people of the district follow traditions, customs and rituals. The district has many temples of Hindu gods and goddess, which are ancient and have deep spiritualism attached to them. The people of Dakshina Kannada worship the serpent god (Subramanya). According to legend, the district was reclaimed byParashurama from the sea. Hence worship of serpent is done to original inhabitats. Nagaradhane or Snake worship is practised according to the popular belief of the Naga Devatha to go underground and guard the species on the top. Worship of spirits is prevalent in these areas. Rituals like Bhuta Kola are done to satisfy the spirits. Kambla, a form of buffalo race on muddy track in the paddy field, is organised. On a religious and cultural level, Theyyam deities are propitiated through blood sacrifice or cock-sacrifice which does also include the cockfight and is a prime example of "cultural synthesis of 'little' and 'great' cultures". Cock fight (Kori Katta in Tulu) is another pastime of rural agarian people, but unfortunately has turned in to gambling.
Yakshagana is the popular folk art of this district. The Yakshagana is a night-long dance and drama performance practiced in Tulu Nadu with great fanfare. Pilivesha (Tiger dance) is a unique form of folk dance in the region fascinating the young and the old alike, which is performed during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami. Karadi Vesha (Bear Dance) is one more popular dance performed duringDasara. Kambala or buffalo race is conducted in water filled paddy fields
