Mangalore, the forth largest city of Karnataka and a municipal body, assists as the major coastal center of the state. The economy of this city is mainly supported by international sea trade, agriculture, oil and other industries and newly prospering outsourcing enterprises. Census of 2011 records the population of Mangalore to be 484,785. The citizens of Mangalore are called Mangaloreans and the major religion of this realm is Hinduism. Mogaveeras, Ganigas, Billavas, Bunts, Kota Brahmins, Havyaka Brahmins, Shivalli Brahmins and Goud Saraswat Brahmins are the chief groups of people dwelling here. Apart from that, Christians, Muslims and Jains also inhabit Mangalore. The predominant languages spoken here include Tulu, Konkani, Kannada, Haveeka, Beary, Malayalam, Urdu, Hindi and English.

Mangalore celebrates the traditional Indian festivals such as Dasara, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Janmashtami, Christmas, Easter, Idd, etc. with absolute pomp and enthusiasm. Adding to these popular festivals, Mangalore culture is also imbibed with various local festivals. Kodial Theru or Mangaluru Rathotsava, celebrated at Sri Venkatramana Temple is the chief festival of Goud Saraswat Brahmins. The feast of Mother Mary called Monti Fest is the peculiar harvest celebration performed by catholic community here. Jain Community of Mangalore entitled ‘Jain Milan’ organizes annual Jain Food Festival. Mosaru Kudike, commemorating the birth of Lord Sri Krishna is consecrated by every Mangalorean. Another unique ceremony of Mangalore culture is ‘Aati’ when the patron spirit of the city named Kalanja is worshipped. Other regional festivals include Bhuta Kola and Nagaradhane.

The remarkable feature of Mangalore culture is dance, drama and music. Festivals like Kudlotsava and Karavali Utsav give complete scope to such musical performances when state level and national level competitions are held here. Numerous classical and folk dance forms can be witnessed in Mangalore. Yakshagana is a drama and dance concert that continues for the whole night. Pilivesha is a unique folk dance of Mangalore which is specially performed at the time of Dasara and Janmashtami. Karadi Vesha is a well known bear dance and Paddanas are Tulu ballads. Kolata is a valorous folk dance performed with the help of sticks when Kolkai; Beary folk songs are sung. Unjal Pat is a traditional lullaby and Oppune Pat and Moilanji Pat are traditional wedding songs. Hulivesha is a traditional tiger dance, Kambala is a buffalo race and Korikatta is the cock fight enjoyed here. Thus the Mangalore culture is rich with its distinguished traditional aspects.

Mangalore Cuisine includes special food items such as Kane Fry, Sannas, Pancakes, Akki Rotti, Kori Rotti, Neer Dosa, Cucumber Ghassi, Coconut Sesame Gravy, Gadbad Ice-Cream, Golibaje, Filter Coffee, Masala Dosa, Badam Halwa, Aviyal Mangalore Buns, Maavinakai Kette Uppinakai, Pomfret Fry, Fish Curry, Bangude, Pulimunchi Bangude, Pulimunchi Boothai Gasi, Kadubu Daali Thoy, Beebe-Upkari, Val Val, Avnas Ambe Sasam, Kadgi Chakko, Paagila Podi, Chana Gashi, Pork Bafat, Sorpotel, Mutton Biryani, Happala, Sandige, Puli Munchi, Shendi, Kadubu, Surmai Masala Tava Fry, Tendli-Cashew Nisthen, Kuvalyachen Bapath, Chik Peas Mixed With Coconut, Sprouted Moong Salad, Sheetak Kadi, Patrode, Pundi, Sanna-Dukra Maas which one must not miss tasting.