into all other vocations like business, education, employment, etc. Rituals Men undergo the Upanayana when they turn seven years old to initiate them into Vedic studies. It is also known as Brahmopadesham. The key ritual during the Upanayana is that of putting a sacred thread called yajnopavitha or janivaara consisting of three cotton strands across the left shoulder of the boy. The initiate is called a dvija "twice-born" and is expected to perform the sandhyavandanam at least twice daily. Yajnopavitha has a special knot in it which is called as "Brahma Gantu". Havyaka Brahmins also undergo the Upakarma, where the sacred thread is changed. In old vedas it is mentioned that after upanayana he enters the stage of Brahmacharya ashram, leading a celibate and austere life of a student in his teacher's home, eating from handouts given by the generous neighbours. It is equivalent to say he will undergo studies excluding all other aspects in modern days. When he has accomplished his studies of the Vedas, he enters the Grahastha ashram, a married man becoming head of his household. During the wedding the groom wears two janivaaras at the same time to signify his marriage. Geographic Distribution Havyakas are mainly concentrated in the state of Karnataka. Dakshina Kannada, Sirsi, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Chikkamangaluru, and Kodagu Districts in Karnataka and Kasaragod in Kerala are the districts where Havyakas live for centuries. They are now spread all over India, especially in metropolitan cities of Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and other Industrial and business centers. Havyakas are also in large numbers in countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, U.A.E., Australia and other places outside India. Language The Havyakas are united by their unique language. There are two distinct dialects of Havyaka language. One in Uttara Kannada and Shivamogga districts, and another in Dakshina Kannada and Kasaragodu districts. Havyaka language has its origins in Halegannada language (Ancient Kannada) and hence is very similar to Kannada, and officially, it's considered a dialect of Kannada, Although, the speakers of modern Kannada find it difficult to understand Havyaka language. The Havyaka dialect is supposed to be quite old. Its origins, like many other things in India, are shrouded in mystery. Notably certain Havigannada (Havyaka Kannada) speakers use gender-neutral pronouns in place of typical feminine pronouns while addressing females. Havyaka Food Havyaka people are strict vegetarians and have unique speciality dishes. Havyaka are known