Language and Religion
The Main Languages spoken in this district is Kannada, Konkani and Marathi. Kannada is the predominant language of the district, followed by Konkani which is also widely spoken. Marathi is widely understood due to the prevalence of Marathi literature and arts in this area.Urdu, Hindi and English are also used in social communication. The population is predominantly Hindu composed of majority communities. The main tribes of the district are Namadhari Naiks, Halakki Vokkaligas, Kannada Vaishyas, Gudigars, Siddis, Komarpant, Shervegar Naayaks, Nadavas, Kunabis, Gondas and Gavlis.Others are Havyaka Brahmins, Goud Saraswat Brahmins, Padyes, Daivadnya Brahmins, Chitrapur Saraswat Brahmins, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, Chitpavan Brahmins, Kudaldeshkar Gaud Brahmans, Kramavant Joshis, Marathas, Vaishya Vanis, Konkan Marathas, Charis, Gomantak Maratha Samaj, Nutan Maratha Samaj, Naik Maratha Samaj, Bhandaris, Kharvis, Madvals. The people of Uttara Kannada are non-vegetarians except for Havyaka community. Muslims are spread out in Uttara Kannada, community of Nawayath live mostly in taluks of Bhatkal, Kumta and Honnavar. The Community speaks a dialect called ‘Nawayathi’. It is an amalgam of Persian, Arabic, Marathi and Urdu with Konkani as its base. The Nawayath language uses Persian script for writing, it is interesting to note that "Persian script" was being used to write by the Nawayath's long before the language Urdu came into existence. Dakhini Muslims, Konkani Muslims and Nawayath Muslims live together united. Uttara Kannada Muslim men are generally light skinned, and their attire consists of Jubba (A shirt almost knee length) / Shirt, and lungi. Women have generally adopted the local way of dressing, however they observe strict Burkah (Islamic Veil). Anklets and nose studs are not a common practice. In fact its discouraged. Christians of Catholic and Protestant faiths
