Devadiga

Devadiga are a community from the districts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada in the Indian state of Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. They are temple servants and traditional musicians of Tulunadu. They follow the traditional Tulu system of matrilineal inheritance and have similar marriage ceremonies like Bunts. Traditionally they are vaishnavas.

Word Devadiga means "Devarannu Adisuvavaru" in Kannada. Which means they play musical instruments to make god happy.

Upanayana ceremony:Yes, the Upanayana ceremony is performed in some sections of the Devadiga community. Upanayana is a sacred thread initiation ceremony that marks the beginning of formal education and spiritual learning for boys in certain Hindu communities. It is also known as the "sacred thread ceremony" or "threading ceremony."

In the case of the Devadiga community, which is found in parts of Karnataka and other coastal regions of India, the Upanayana ceremony is practiced by some subgroups or families within the community. It is important to note that practices can vary among different subgroups and families within the Devadiga community, as well as among different regions and cultural influences.

During the Upanayana ceremony, the young boy is invested with a sacred thread, known as the "yajnopavita," which is worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. This thread symbolizes the beginning of his formal education and spiritual journey under the guidance of a Guru (teacher).

It's worth mentioning that the Upanayana ceremony is more commonly associated with Brahmin boys in many regions of India. However, certain non-Brahmin communities, including some segments of the Devadiga community, have adopted the practice over time. As with any cultural or religious practice, the prevalence and adherence to the Upanayana ceremony can vary based on factors such as location, family traditions, and personal beliefs within the community.