When is Kannada Rajyotsava?
Kannada Rajyotsava is a public holiday in the Karnataka state in India.
It is always celebrated on November 1st. It is also known as Karnataka Formation Day.
History of Kannada Rajyotsava
Rajyotsava (meaning 'state festival') commemorates this day in 1956 when the state of Karnataka was created by merging all the Kannada language-speaking regions of south India.
Following India becoming a republic in 1950, different provinces were created based on the languages spoken in a particular region. On November 1st 1956, several of these merged to form the state of Mysore, which was the name of an older region that formed part of the new state. This name was not a popular choice with some northern parts of the state, so eventually, on November 1st 1973, the state was renamed Karnataka, from the Kannada word ‘Karunadu’ meaning “lofty land”.
Did you know?
The Kannada language has an unbroken literary history of over a thousand years and with over 38 million speakers, it is one of the 40 most spoken languages in the world.
How is Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated?
Rajyotsava Day is a colourful celebration with the red and yellow of the state flag being displayed across Karnataka.
The main celebrations take place at Bengaluru's Krantiveera stadium where the state Chief Minister hoists the state flag and makes a speech. The governor of the state will also address the gathering. In addition to this, the Rajyotsava awards are announced by the government of Karnataka, which is considered the second-highest civilian award in the state.
The Kannada anthem of Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate is also played today.
As this is a secular holiday, religion is not a factor, so all Kannadigans whether they are Hindu, Muslim or Christians will celebrate this day.
Karnataka covers the area of Bengaluru (Bangalore), which has offices supporting many major multi-nationals. Typically workers may observe international holidays of their employers. If your colleagues are working today in Bangalore, impress them with your new-found knowledge about their state, by asking them if they are wearing Red and Yellow!
