Karnataka Rajyotsava

Formation of Karnataka | 

KarnatakaRajyotsava

How many of us in Karnataka have marked out November 1st on our holiday calendar, planning getaways and lazy breakfasts, secure in the knowledge that it’s a public holiday? We know what it is – It’s Kannada Rajyotsava! – And we know when it is, but do we know what it signifies?

Here’s a quick look at what Kannada Rajyotsava is all about.

November 1st is Kannada Rajyotsava, the day that the state of Karnataka was formed. On this day, in 1956 all the Kannada speaking areas of South India were merged into a new state. The state was initially called Mysore, but this was considered too reminiscent of the old princely regiment, and the name was changed to Karnataka on 1st November, 1973.

Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated very enthusiastically all over the state. The state is dotted with Red and Yellow as the Karnataka flag is hoisted at important locations, and the state anthem is sung. The beauty of this day is that it is enjoyed with as much excitement across age groups, religion, gender and income, making it a truly wholesome and inclusive celebration.

Local citizens also get to honour the good samaritans of society as the State Government bestows the Rajyotsava awards on people who have contributed in a noteworthy way to the development of the state.

Kannada Rajyotsava is really a day to pay tribute to the state of Karnataka, celebrate its progress and work to its continued development. This can be done in many ways according to your individual capabilities.

For The Akshaya Patra Foundation it was by providing a means to solve classroom hunger in the state. Today, across six kitchens in the state (at H.K. Hill Bangalore; Vasanthapura, Bangalore; Bellary; Hubli; Mangalore and Mysore) we reach out to 463,682 children in 2,629 Government and Government-aided schools every day. While we supply food for education to these children from our highly specialised, centralised kitchens, we know there are thousands more in need of our help.

But we wouldn’t have made it this far in Karnataka without the support of our donors and corporates, but most importantly the Government of Karnataka. For us Kannada Rajyotsava is not just a public holiday, it’s a time to honour this state, the birthplace of our Foundation.

History

In 1950, India became republic and different provinces were formed in the country on the basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which were earlier ruled by the kings.

Later in the year 1956, all Kannada speaking regions of South India were merged into one state. The new state was named after Mysore, which by itself was a princely state. The name Mysore was not accepted by some regions like North Karnataka and Hyderabad of the present time and people residing these areas demanded the change in the name of the state.

Finally after the prolonged discussion over the issue, in the year 1973 the state of all kannada speaking people was renamed as Karnataka on1st November. The credit for this landmark decision owes to Late Devaraj Urs the then Chief Minister of state and every year the November 1st is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Rajyotsava meaning "State festival" of Karnataka.

Kannada Rajyotsava

Karnataka Rajyotsava is celebrated on November 01, 2016. Kannada Rajyotsava, also called Karnataka Formation Day, is celebrated every year by Kannadigas in India and overseas. This was the day in 1956 when all the Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form the state of Karnataka. The Rajyotsava day is listed as a government holiday in the state of Karnataka and is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world. It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for Rajyotsava Awards by the Government of Karnataka, hoisting of the unofficial Karnataka flag with an address from the Chief Minister and Governor of the state along with community festivals, orchestra, Kannada book releases and concerts.

Where is Karnataka Rajyotsava?
Karnataka and Nationwide in India

When is Kannada Rajyotsava?

Kannada Rajyotsava is a public holiday in the Karnataka state in India.

It is always celebrated on 1 November. It is also known as Karnataka Formation Day.

When is Karnataka Rajyotsava in 2016?
Tuesday, the 1st of November 2016

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 1 November 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 1 November 1973, the state was renamed Karnataka.

How is Kannada Rajyotsava celebrated?

Rajyotsava Day is a colourful celebration with the red and yellow of the state flag being displayed across Karnataka. Each year, the state government will announce awards for those who have contributed to the Karnataka state.

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!