The Halakki-Vokkalu (also transliterated as Halwakki-Wakkal and Halakki-Vokkaliga are an indigenous tribe of Karnataka, India.They are found predominantly in Uttara Kannada district and are distinct from Vokkaligas. Halakki Vokkaligas living in the foot of Western Ghats are known as the "Aboriginals of Uttara Kannada". Their way of living is still ancient. The women adorn themselves with beads and necklaces, heavy nose rings and distinctive attire. Halakki speak a different dialect of Kannada called as Halakki Kannada. Taking Halakkis cognisance of the tribe’s demands to be recognised as a Scheduled Tribe a study was commissioned by the social welfare department in 2010 and a report was submitted. Sukri Bommagowda is notable Halakki Vokkaliga and has won the Padma Shri award for folk singing, she is fondly known as "Nightingale of Halakis".Vaidya Hanumanath Bommu Gouda is also a notable Halakki Vokkaliga and he holds many respected posts such as member of the Department of Folk Science in Hampi Kannada University, member of Western Ghats Forest Products, member of the J.C. club and a few others. Observing his humble service in the medical field and social service he was honoured with fellowship in New-Delhi in 2005, Vaidya Ratna award in 2005, Karnataka's most respected award Kannada Rajyostava Award in 2014.

Region: Uttara Kannada The Halakki Vokkaligas resemble the Maasai Mara community in Africa. They live near the foothills of the Western Ghats in Uttara Kannada. The women have tanned skin and wear about six layers of beads around their neck. Their saris are tied like a sarong and tourist often see them in their paddy fields, or attending community meetings. The women wear brightcoloured buds and flowers in their hair.

Their jewellery includes beads, necklaces, nose rings and glass and metal bangles. All their jewellery is made from stones and natural fibre. Their clothes are designed to help them adapt to the climate and work with ease. The Halakki Vokkaligas have an administrative system of their own and the headman is called Gouda. Their way of living is still ancient and needs amalgamation with the mainstream.

Take a look of VAKKALIGA'S CULTURE here: