The Namdharis in the district cal themselves as Halepaikas, Deevars, Kumara Kshatriyas, Halu kshatriya ad Idigas. The term Halepaikaru denotes that they were old infantry or food soldiers as some of them were enlisted in the armies. The word Deevaru indicate that they might have been immigrants from islands (dweepa). As they are the devotees, of Vishnu, the totem of Vishnu, i.e., nama qualified the name of the tehse people, as Namdhari. They are chiefly found in Ankola, Bhatkal, Honavar, Kumta, Siddapur and Sirsi taluks. Though traditional palm-tappers, they are also agriculturists and agricultural labourers. Some have taken to trade. They are mostly Vaishnavas and invite Brahmana priests to their religious ceremonies. Some of them have their own priests. Their family Gods are Venkataramana of Tirupati and his attendant Hanumanta of Chandavar. They workship Hindu Gods, khetri and other village deities.