For the performance of the marriage ceremonial, Shivalli or Kota Brahmans are engaged. The dhare form of marriage (see Bant) is observed, but there are a few points of detail, which may be noted. Five women decorate the bride inside her house just before she comes to the marriage pandal (booth), and tie on her neck a gold bead (dhare mani) and black beads. At the pandal she stands in front of the bridegroom, separated from him by a screen, which is stretched between them. Garlands of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) are exchanged, and the screen is removed. Bashingams (chaplets) are tied on the foreheads of the bridal pair at the outset of the ceremonial, and are worn for five days.
The dead are cremated, and, in most cases, the ashes are thrown into a river. But, among the orthodox, they are taken to Gokarna, and thrown into the river at that place. On the eleventh day, presents are made to Brahmans after purification. On the following day, food is offered on two leaves to the soul of the deceased.
One of the leaves is thrown into water, and the other given to a cow or bull.
Khasa.--It is noted by the Rev. J. Cain [131] that "members of this caste are found chiefly in attendance on zamindars and other rich people, and report says that they are not unfrequently their illegitimate children." Khasa is synonymous with Adapapa (q.v.).
Khasgi.--Marathas, of whom a few families constitute the aristocracy in the Sandur State.
Khatri.--The Khatris are described by Mr. Lewis Rice [132] as "silk weavers, who in manners, customs, and language are akin to Patvegars, but they do not intermarry with them, although the two castes eat together. The Katris claim to be Kshatriyas, and quote Renuka Purana as their authority. The legend is that, during the general massacre of the Kshatriyas by Parasu Rama, five women, each of whom was big with child, escaped, and took refuge in a temple dedicated to Kali. When the children came of age, their marriages were celebrated, and their mothers prayed to Kali to point out some means of livelihood. In answer to their supplications, the goddess gave them looms, and taught them weaving and dyeing. The Katris claim descent from these refugees, and follow the same trades."