Rituals Shivalli Brahmin males 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 consisting of three cotton strands across the left shoulder of the boy, called Janivara. The initiate is called a
dvija "twice-born" and is expected to perform the
sandhyavandanam at least twice daily. Dvija has a special knot in it which is called as "Brahma Gantu". Shivalli Madhwa Brahmins also undergo the
Upakarma, where the sacred thread is changed once a year and mudradharana is performed. Mudradharana is a ritual where Vaishnavite
symbols like the
conch or the wheel are etched on bodies as a ritual of purification.
Marriage Present day marriages of Shivalli Madhva Brahmins are a four-day ceremony, sometimes condensed to a single day due to the fast pace of today's life. On the occasion of wedding, three more strands are added to the
sacred thread Janivara. == Festivals ==