The 16,000 Halsar people have traditionally made their living through two very different means: cutting sugar cane, and moving dead, decaying animals! Some of the cane materials are used for making baskets, and they sell the animal hides and fat for a profit. They have contact with other communities by selling these goods. Most are landless, and there are many day laborers among them.

This tribe traditionally spoke Tulu, but today they are probably more conversant with either Konkani or Kannada, two of the major languages of southwestern India. Both of these languages include many Christian materials. There are many Roman Catholics represented among Konkani speakers.

Like many other communities in India, the Halsar people marry only within their own community, and their marriages are monogamous. They do not marry off their children. Marriages are settled through family negotiations, and the bride price is a nominal amount of money. They do not allow for divorce, and widows and widowers can remarry.

* Scripture Prayers for the Halsar in India.