Kudmude Joshi is a nomadic tribe classified by the Government of Maharashtra. The male members of this tribe are fortune-tellers and earn their living by indulging in this profession. Mendgi, Budbudke, Damruwale, Sarode, Sahadev Joshi, Saravade, Saroda are some of the sub-sects found in this tribe. Though primarily found in Maharashtra, they have a connection with the states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh too. They are also known as Khivari in Maharashtra as well as outside Maharashtra. This tribe can speak Marathi, Kannada as well as Telugu languages. They also resort to a peculiar sign language known as Khivari or Parsi, to have a secured conversation amongst themselves. They rarely mix up with the general populace and prefer to stay outside the limits of the village. Even during the monsoons, it is forbidden for them to reside in closed places, and they believe that it will bring ill fate upon them.
During the process of marriage, the word of the arbiters carries weight. These arbiters and the people from the clan help in the marriage ceremony. There used to be a tradition of offering liquor during marriage ceremonies and was called Lagnaghada. The dowry system doesn’t exist in this tribe. But there exists a system of Dahej, where the father of the bride receives money from the groom’s father. The expenses of the marriage are equally shared by both parties. Everybody from the clan participates in the marriage ceremony. These clan people are called Devka Kumbhar. 
The Kudmude Joshi-s earn their living through Bhiksha, a kind of recognised begging. They start their day early in the morning with a lantern in one hand, a small Damru, a percussion instrument in the other. They accept anything in cash or kind as Bhiksha. They hang a locket with a picture of the deity or the mask on their neck while they are going door-to-door. They worship a deity called Pingla and believe that due to her blessings they understand the language of Pingla, also an owl subspecies. Most of the males from this tribe are fortune-tellers and the women are into the trading of old clothes.
Kudmude Joshi-s follow the customs of both Hindu-s as well as Muslim-s and celebrate the festivals of both religions. Their primary deity is Mariaai and her Devhara-s are found in practically every household. The Caste Panchayat always held sway in the life of Kudmude Joshi-s. Though there was no constitution as such but unwritten guidelines did exist, in the day to day working of this closed community. Modernisation and education have taken their toll in bringing in changes in this community in modern times.

Districts/Region

Maharashtra, India.

Cultural Significance

Kudmude Joshi is a nomadic tribe classified by the Government of Maharashtra. The male members of this tribe are fortune-tellers and earn their living by indulging in this profession.