Kannada Rajyotsava — also called Karnataka Formation Day or Karnataka Day — is celebrated annually on November 1. On this day in 1956, the Kannada-speaking areas of southwestern India united to form the Karnataka state.Kannada Rajyotsava is a popular festival in Karnataka that is celebrated by Kannadigas all over the world. The Karnataka government hosts the “Rajyotsava Awards” as part of the festivities. Following the presentation of the honors list, the state governor and chief minister give an official address. Several colorful community festivals, concerts, and book releases are all part of the celebration.

History of Kannada Rajyothsava

Karnataka Rajyotsava dates back to November 1, 1956, when the state of Karnataka was formed by the union of all Kannada-speaking districts. In 1905, Aluru Venkata Rao was the first to propose that the state be united through the Karnataka Ekikarana development.In 1950, India became a republic, and various territories were established in the country based on the language spoken in the specific district, giving rise to the territory of Mysore, which included various regions in south India that had previously been ruled by kings.On November 1, 1956, Mysore state, which included a large portion of the former royal territory of Mysore, merged with the Kannada-speaking regions of the Bombay and Madras governments, as well as the domain of Hyderabad, to establish a connection together with the Kannada-speaking factions. North Karnataka, old Mysore, and Malnad —also called Canara— became the three regions of the newly formed Mysore state.The unified state was originally established as ‘Mysore,’ after the previous regal state that formed the center of the new entity. The residents of North Karnataka, on the other hand, were opposed to the idea of maintaining the Mysore name. Their dissent stemmed from the fact that the name was strongly associated with — and favored — the southern regions of the newly formed state. On November 1, 1973, the state’s name was changed to Karnataka to create a more balanced and well-represented state. Devaraj Arasu was the state’s Chief Minister at the time of this historic decision.

Kannada Rajyothsava timeline

1905
Dreams of a Unified State

Aluru Venkata Rao is the principal individual with a desire to unite the State.

1950
India Becomes a Republic

India becomes a republic, and various regions of the country are established.

1965
The Flag is Created

The Kannada flag is drawn with a yellow and a red border.

1973
Rechristened

Karnataka replaces Mysore as the previously known territory.

Kannada Rajyothsava FAQs

Is Kannada older than Tamil?

Kannada belongs to the Dravidian language group but isn’t as old as Tamil.

What is Karnataka's authority banner?

Kannada and Karnataka are both represented by the Kannada banner, which is a combination of yellow and red. According to old Kannada, the yellow and red tones in the banner represent ‘Arashina’ (Turmeric) and ‘Kumkuma’ (Vermilion).

What does Kannada Rajyotsava mean in English?

‘Rajyotsava’ means ‘the State Festival’ in English.

How to Observe Kannada Rajyothsava

  1. Attend a festival

    The day is set apart with amazing celebrations, festivals, and concerts. People come together across the state, even Kannadigas living abroad, to commemorate Karnataka Rajyotsava with style.

  2. Fly the flag

    Red and yellow Kannada banners are lifted at various key areas across the state. The Kannada hymn "Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate" is recited to stamp the day.

  3. Show solidarity

    The Kannada song of the devotion of Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate is additionally played today. As this is a mainstream occasion, religion isn't an element, so all Kannadigans whether they are Hindu, Muslim, or Christians can join in.

5 Interesting Facts About Karnataka

  1. Support custom

    The main state brags a rich practice of both Carnatic and Hindustani music.

  2. Grant victors

    Karnataka has the second largest number of “Jnanapith Award” champions for writing.

  3. State bird

    Karnataka's state bird is the Indian Roller.

  4. Biggest creation unit

    Karnataka is home to India's biggest creation units of crude silk and is popular, particularly for the Mysore silk saris.

  5. The first radio broadcast

    The first private radio broadcast in India was set up in Karnataka in 1935.

Why Kannada Rajyothsava is Important

  1. The Rajyotsava grants

    The holiday additionally denotes the yearly show of the state's second-most noteworthy non-military personnel honor — the Rajyotsava Awards. The honors are given to residents of Karnataka in acknowledgment of their achievements.

  2. Love and unity

    Karnataka Rajyotsava Day is a celebration of love and unity. It is a testament to what can happen when people come together to achieve a shared goal.

  3. Celebrate extraordinary Kannadigas

    It's an incredible day to recognize all the extraordinary Kannadigas. We recognize their heroic attempts to serve the state and language, culture.

Kannada Rajyothsava dates

Year Date Day
2022 November 1 Tuesday
2023 November 1 Wednesday
2024 November 1 Friday
2025 November 1 Saturday
2026 November 1 Sunday
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