The tribe is divided into four sub-groups that may intermarry. Their society is patrilineal, meaning that the line of descent is traced through the males. Marriages are generally negotiated rather than arranged, with the parents taking into consideration the feelings of the boy and girl. Some of the Kolam women wear toe rings or silver bracelets and married women wear black bead necklaces. Other than that, the Kolam wear very little jewelry.
Men prefer wearing caps rather than the traditional turbans.
Their own mystic folklore has been both influenced by and intermingled with many elements of Hinduism. The Kolam worship a number of gods and goddesses, as well as the spirits of their dead ancestors. They blame all misfortune on the wrath of the gods or on witchcraft. Sadly, they are one of the few tribes in central India that may still offer human sacrifices. The physical needs of the Kolam are many.