Karnataka Rajyotsava: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Karnataka formation day}}
{{Short description|Karnataka formation day}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{Infobox holiday
{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name     = Karnataka Rajyotsava (Kannada Day)
| holiday_name = Karnataka Rajyostsava <hr/> Kannada Rajyotsava Day<hr/>{{small|Karnataka State Day}}
| image             = Mahila Dollu Kunita.jpg
| image         = Mahila Dollu Kunita.jpg
| imagesize         = 200px
| imagesize     = 200px
| caption           = Traditional dance of ''[[Dollu Kunitha]]'' in progress as part of Rajyotsava
| caption       = Traditional dance of ''[[Dollu Kunitha]]'' in progress as part of Rajyotsava
| type             = local
| type         = local
| longtype         = State
| longtype     = State
| nickname         = Kannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka Formation Day
| nickname     = Kannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka Formation Day
| observedby       = [[Kannadiga]]s in India and overseas<ref name="daiji">[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=39779&n_tit=Dubai%3A+Karnataka+Sangha+Celebrates+Karnataka+Rajyotsava Dubai: Karnataka Sangha Celebrates Karnataka Rajyotsava] daijiworld.com</ref>
| scheduling    = same day each year
| date             = 1 November
| frequency    = annual
| celebrations     = Hoisting of [[Kannada flag]], Processions, Cultural events, [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava Awards]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131001152506/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-31/bangalore/27947583_1_rajyotsava-award-awards-committee-kannada-and-culture-department Rajyotsava award list soars to 90] ''The Times of India'' 31 October 2008</ref>
| observedby   = [[Kannadiga]]s in India and overseas<ref name="daiji">[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=39779&n_tit=Dubai%3A+Karnataka+Sangha+Celebrates+Kannada +Rajyotsava Dubai: Karnataka Sangha Celebrates Karnataka Rajyotsava] daijiworld.com</ref>
| significance     = Unification of [[Kannada]]-speaking regions of South India as the [[Karnataka|state of Karnataka]]
| date         = 1 November
| celebrations = Hoisting of [[Kannada flag]], Processions, Cultural events, [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava Awards]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131001152506/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-10-31/bangalore/27947583_1_rajyotsava-award-awards-committee-kannada-and-culture-department Rajyotsava award list soars to 90] ''The Times of India'' 31 October 2008</ref>
| significance = Unification of [[Kannada]]-speaking regions of South India as the [[Karnataka|state of Karnataka]]
| ends = 1 day after the start only in Karnataka State of India
| begins = Every year 1 November
}}
}}
{{Culture of Karnataka}}
'''Karnataka Rajyotsava''' also known as '''Karnataka State Day''' or '''Kannada Day''' amongst the [[Indian diaspora]], is a [[public holiday]] celebrated annually on 1 November in the Indian state of [[Karnataka]]. It commemorates the merger in 1956 of the [[Kannada]]-speaking regions of southwestern India under the [[States Reorganisation Act]] to form the state in Bangalore.<ref>[https://www.oneindia.com/2010/11/01/kannadigas-celebrate-karnata-rajyotsava-on-nov-1.html "Kannadigas celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 1"] news.oneindia.in</ref>


'''''Karnataka Rajyotsava''''' or '''''Kannada Rajyotsava''''' or '''''Kannada Day''''', also known as '''Karnataka Formation Day or Karnataka Day''', is celebrated on 1 November of every year. This was the day in 1956 when all the [[Kannada]] language-speaking regions of [[South India]] were [[States Reorganisation Act|merged]] to form the state of [[Karnataka]].<ref>[http://news.oneindia.in/2010/11/01/kannadigas-celebrate-karnata-rajyotsava-on-nov-1.html "Kannadigas celebrate Karnataka Rajyotsava on Nov 1"] news.oneindia.in</ref>
Kannada Rajyotsava is listed as a government holiday in Karnataka<ref name="fesindia">[http://www.festivalsofindia.in/rajyotsava_day/ Festivals of India – Rajyotsava Day] www.festivalsofindia.in</ref> and is celebrated by [[Kannadiga]]s across the world.<ref name="daiji" /> It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava Awards]] by the [[government of Karnataka]], the hoisting of the [[Kannada flag|Karnataka flag]] with an address from the [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|chief minister]] and [[governor of Karnataka]],<ref name="govern">[https://archive.today/20130125234840/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ktk-governor-greets-people-ahead-of-rajyotsava-day/876351.html Karnataka Governor greets people ahead of 'Rajyotsava Day'] IBN Live</ref> as well as community festivals, orchestra, [[Kannada]] book releases, and concerts.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110130225552/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110260460300.htm ‘Sacrifice of Kannadigas should be remembered'] ''The Hindu''</ref>
 
The Rajyotsava day is listed as a [[Public holiday|government holiday]] in the state of Karnataka<ref name="fesindia">[http://www.festivalsofindia.in/rajyotsava_day/ Festivals of India – Rajyotsava Day] www.festivalsofindia.in</ref> and is celebrated by [[Kannadiga]]s across the world.<ref name="daiji" /> It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava Awards]] by the [[Government of Karnataka]], hoisting of the official [[Kannada flag|Karnataka flag]] with an address from the [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|Chief Minister]] and [[Governor of Karnataka|Governor]]<ref name="govern">[https://archive.today/20130125234840/http://ibnlive.in.com/generalnewsfeed/news/ktk-governor-greets-people-ahead-of-rajyotsava-day/876351.html Karnataka Governor greets people ahead of 'Rajyotsava Day'] IBN Live</ref> of the state along with community festivals, orchestra, [[Kannada]] book releases and concerts.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110130225552/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110260460300.htm ‘Sacrifice of Kannadigas should be remembered'] ''The Hindu''</ref>


==History==
==History==
{{main article|Unification of Karnataka}}
{{main article|Unification of Karnataka}}
[[Aluru Venkata Rao]] was the first person who dreamt of unifying the State as early as 1905 with the [[Unification of Karnataka|''Karnataka Ekikarana'']] movement.<ref name="govern" /> In 1950, [[History of the Republic of India|India became republic]] and different provinces were formed in the country on 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.<ref name="fesindia" /> On 1 November 1956, [[Mysore state]], comprising most of the area of the erstwhile [[Kingdom of Mysore|princely state of Mysore]], was merged with the Kannada-speaking areas of the Bombay and Madras presidencies, as also of the principality of [[Hyderabad state|Hyderabad]], to create a unified Kannada-speaking sub-national entity. [[North Karnataka]], [[Malnad]] ([[Kanara|Canara]]) and [[Mysore (region)|old Mysore]] were thus the three regions of the newly formed Mysore state.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
[[Aluru Venkata Rao]] was the first person who dreamt of unifying the State as early as 1905 with the [[Unification of Karnataka|''Karnataka Ekikarana'']] movement.<ref name="govern" /> In 1950, [[History of the Republic of India|India became republic]] and different provinces were formed in the country on basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which the kings earlier ruled.<ref name="fesindia" /> On 1 November 1956, [[Mysore state]], comprising most of the area of the erstwhile [[Kingdom of Mysore|princely state of Mysore]], was merged with the Kannada-speaking areas of the [[Bombay Presidency|Bombay]] and [[Madras Presidency|Madras]] presidencies, as also of the principality of [[Hyderabad state|Hyderabad]], to create a unified Kannada-speaking sub-national entity. [[North Karnataka]], [[Malnad]] ([[Kanara|Canara]]), and [[Mysore (region)|old Mysore]] were thus the three regions of the newly formed Mysore state.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}


The [[Mysore state|newly unified state]] initially retained the name "Mysore", which was that of the erstwhile princely state which formed the core of the new entity.<ref>[http://www.karnataka.com/profile/rajyotsava.html Karnataka – A brief profile » Kannada Rajyotsava]</ref> But the people of North Karnataka did not favour the retention of the name Mysore, as it was closely associated with the erstwhile principality and the southern areas of the new state. In deference to this logic, the name of the state was changed to "Karnataka" on 1 November 1973. [[D. Devaraj Urs|Devaraj Arasu]] was the Chief Minister of the state when this landmark decision was taken.<ref>Bourah, Maitreyee (2 November 2010) [http://www.dnaindia.com/bengaluru/report_in-the-dark-about-rajyotsava-in-bengaluru_1460925 In the dark about Rajyotsava in Bangalore] ''DNA''</ref> Other people credited for the unification of Karnataka include littérateurs like [[K. Shivaram Karanth]], [[Kuvempu]], [[Masti Venkatesha Iyengar]], [[A. N. Krishna Rao]] and [[B. M. Srikantaiah]].<ref name="govern" />
The [[Mysore state|newly unified state]] initially retained the name "Mysore", which was that of the erstwhile princely state which formed the core of the new entity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.karnataka.com/profile/rajyotsava/|title=Karnataka Rajyotsava|date=29 October 2017|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref> But the people of North Karnataka did not favour the retention of the name Mysore, as it was closely associated with the erstwhile principality and the southern areas of the new state. In deference to this logic, the state's name was changed to "Karnataka" on 1 November 1973. [[D. Devaraj Urs|Devaraj Arasu]] was the Chief Minister of the state when this landmark decision was taken.<ref>Bourah, Maitreyee (2 November 2010) [http://www.dnaindia.com/bengaluru/report_in-the-dark-about-rajyotsava-in-bengaluru_1460925 In the dark about Rajyotsava in Bangalore] ''DNA''</ref> Other people credited for the unification of Karnataka include littérateurs like [[K. Shivaram Karanth]], [[Kuvempu]], [[Masti Venkatesha Iyengar]], [[A. N. Krishna Rao]], and [[B. M. Srikantaiah]].<ref name="govern" />


==Celebrations of Karnataka Rajyotsava==
==Celebrations of Karnataka Rajyotsava==
[[File:Flag of Karnataka.svg|thumb|140px|left|The [[Kannada flag]], used as an emblem of Kannada culture]]
[[File:Flag of the Kannada people.svg|thumb|140px|left|The [[Kannada flag]], used as an emblem of Kannada culture]]


Rajyotsava day is celebrated with great joy and vigour all over the state of Karnataka. The entire state wears a festive look on this day as the red and yellow [[Kannada flag]]s are hoisted at different strategic locations across the state and the Kannada anthem ("''Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate''") is chanted.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131203063815/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-01/bangalore/27962316_1_rajyotsava-kannada-celebrations Rajyotsava celebrations delayed] ''The Times of India'', 1 November 2007</ref> The flag is hoisted at political party offices and several localities even as youth in many areas take out processions on their vehicles.<ref name="hinducult" /> Religion not being a factor, the Rajyotsava is celebrated by [[Hindu]]s, [[Muslim]]s<ref>[http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov222007/district2007112237072.asp Muslim youth celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in Tumkur] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014600/http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov222007/district2007112237072.asp |date=3 December 2013 }}</ref> and Christians as well.<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=67812&n_tit=bangalore%3A+rajyotsava+celebrates+at+st+francis+xavier+cathedral Bangalore: Rajyotsava Celebrations at St Francis Xavier Cathedral] www.daijiworld.com</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071115231652/http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/03/stories/2005110316950400.htm Christians celebrate Rajyotsava] ''The Hindu'' 3 November 2005</ref>
Rajyotsava Day is celebrated with great joy and vigour all over Karnataka. The entire state wears a festive look on this day as the red and yellow Kannada flags are hoisted at different strategic locations across the state and the [[Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate|Kannada anthem]] ("''Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate''") is chanted.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131203063815/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2007-11-01/bangalore/27962316_1_rajyotsava-kannada-celebrations Rajyotsava celebrations delayed] ''The Times of India'', 1 November 2007</ref> The flag is hoisted at political party offices and several localities even as youth in many areas take out processions on their vehicles.<ref name="hinducult" /> Religion not being a factor, the Rajyotsava is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims,<ref>[http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov222007/district2007112237072.asp Muslim youth celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in Tumkur] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203014600/http://archive.deccanherald.com/content/Nov222007/district2007112237072.asp |date=3 December 2013 }}</ref> and Christians as well.<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=67812&n_tit=bangalore%3A+rajyotsava+celebrates+at+st+francis+xavier+cathedral Bangalore: Rajyotsava Celebrations at St Francis Xavier Cathedral] www.daijiworld.com</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20071115231652/http://www.hindu.com/2005/11/03/stories/2005110316950400.htm Christians celebrate Rajyotsava] ''The Hindu'' 3 November 2005</ref>


=== Government procession ===
=== Government procession ===
The [[Government of Karnataka|state government]] asserts [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava awards]] on this day, which are awarded to people responsible for great contributions in the development of Karnataka.<ref name="fesindia" /> The [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|Chief Minister of the State]] inaugurates the cultural show which is normally held at Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.<ref name="hinducult">[https://web.archive.org/web/20101231100654/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110265282000.htm The Hindu – Bangalore celebrates State's 55th birthday]</ref> Awards are presented to students who have won medals in various national games.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413043537/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/02/stories/2008110257730100.htm 53rd Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations] ''The Hindu'' 2 November 2008</ref>
The [[Government of Karnataka|state government]] asserts the [[Rajyotsava Prashasti|Rajyotsava awards]] and [[Karnataka Ratna]] on this day, which are awarded to people responsible for outstanding contributions in the development of Karnataka.<ref name="fesindia" /> The [[Chief Minister of Karnataka|Chief Minister of the State]] inaugurates the cultural show which is customarily held at Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.<ref name="hinducult">[https://web.archive.org/web/20101231100654/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110265282000.htm The Hindu – Bangalore celebrates State's 55th birthday]</ref> Awards are presented to students who have won medals in various national games.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090413043537/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/02/stories/2008110257730100.htm 53rd Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations] ''The Hindu'' 2 November 2008</ref>


The celebrations are marked by multicoloured tableaux carrying the picture of the [[Bhuvaneshwari|Goddess Bhuvaneshwari]] mounted on a decorated vehicle.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125053018/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110261250300.htm Minister Ramdas hoists Kannada flag on Karnataka Rajyotsava] ''The Hindu''</ref> The colourful procession is also accompanied by performances of the folk artists in the fields of drama ([[Bayalata]]), traditional dance ([[Dollu Kunitha]], [[Kamsale]], [[Veeragase]], [[Kolata]]) and classical [[carnatic music]].<ref name="fesindia" />
The celebrations are marked by multicoloured tableaux carrying the picture of the [[Bhuvaneshwari|Goddess Bhuvaneshwari]] mounted on a decorated vehicle.<ref>[https://archive.today/20130125053018/http://www.hindu.com/2010/11/02/stories/2010110261250300.htm Minister Ramdas hoists Kannada flag on Karnataka Rajyotsava] ''The Hindu''</ref> The colourful procession is also accompanied by performances of the folk artists in the fields of drama ([[Bayalata]]), traditional dance ([[Dollu Kunitha]], [[Kamsale]], [[Veeragase]], [[Kolata]]), and classical [[carnatic music]].<ref name="fesindia" />


=== Private establishments ===
=== Private establishments ===
[[File:Kannada Rajyotsava.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kannadigas]] decorated their [[Motorcycle]] with the Kannada flags]]
[[File:Kannada Flag Auto.jpg|thumb|left|[[Auto rickshaw]]s and other vehicles are decorated with yellow and red themes signifying the Kannada flag]]
[[File:Kannada Flag Auto.jpg|thumb|left|[[Auto rickshaw]]s and other vehicles are decorated with yellow and red themes signifying the Kannada flag]]


Since 1 November is a public holiday, it is celebrated at commercial establishments in the following days of the week. Kannada flags are prominently hoisted and displayed at almost all office and business establishments across the city of [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]].<ref name="hinducult" /> Being a hub of several [[Software industry|IT companies]],<ref>[http://www.karnataka.com/industry/software/ Information Technology in Karnataka] www.karnataka.com</ref> Bengaluru's major firms like [[Tata Consultancy Services|TCS]], [[IBM]], [[Thomson Reuters]], [[Wipro]], [[Robert Bosch]], [[SAP Labs#Organization|SAP Labs]],<ref>[http://www.namkannada.com/pages/html/karya.html SAP Labsನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡ ಹಬ್ಬ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425122215/http://www.namkannada.com/pages/html/karya.html |date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> [[Accenture]], [[Alcatel-Lucent]]<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/festivals/general/2009/1210-kannada-rajyotsava-2009-alcatel-lucent.html ಅಲ್ಕಟೆಲ್ ಲ್ಯೂಸೆಂಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡಹಬ್ಬ] kannada.oneindia.in</ref> and [[Infosys]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090201164932/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112952090300.htm Rajyotsava at Infosys] ''The Hindu'' 29 November 2008</ref> encourage employees to showcase the local favour by holding cultural events. The IT crowd show their support by wearing Kannada-themed T-shirts to workplaces.<ref>[http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2011102520111025004147580714b2590/On-Rajyotsava-say-%E2%80%98Kannada-Baruthe%E2%80%99.html On Rajyotsava, say ‘Kannada Baruthe’] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028210931/http://bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2011102520111025004147580714b2590/On-Rajyotsava-say-%E2%80%98Kannada-Baruthe%E2%80%99.html |date=28 October 2011 }}</ref> Educational institutions also hold such events at schools along with flag-hoisting and the rendering of ''naadageethe''.<ref>[http://schools.papyrusclubs.com/gis/events/karnataka-rajyotsava Karnataka Rajyotsava at Gopalan International School] schools.papyrusclubs.com</ref><ref>Mohan Kumar, BN (2 November 2010) [http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/slideshow_55th-kannada-rajyotsava-celebrations_1461046-4#top 55th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations] ''DNA''</ref>
Since 1 November is a public holiday, it is celebrated at commercial establishments on the following days of the week. Kannada flags are prominently hoisted and displayed at almost all office and business establishments across the city of [[Bangalore|Bengaluru]].<ref name="hinducult" /> Being a hub of several [[Software industry|IT companies]],<ref>[http://www.karnataka.com/industry/software/ Information Technology in Karnataka] www.karnataka.com</ref> Bengaluru's major firms like [[Tata Consultancy Services|TCS]], [[IBM]], [[Thomson Reuters]], [[Wipro]], [[Robert Bosch]], [[SAP Labs#Organization|SAP Labs]],<ref>[http://www.namkannada.com/pages/html/karya.html SAP Labsನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡ ಹಬ್ಬ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425122215/http://www.namkannada.com/pages/html/karya.html |date=25 April 2012 }}</ref> [[Accenture]], [[Alcatel-Lucent]],<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/festivals/general/2009/1210-kannada-rajyotsava-2009-alcatel-lucent.html ಅಲ್ಕಟೆಲ್ ಲ್ಯೂಸೆಂಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡಹಬ್ಬ] kannada.oneindia.in</ref> and [[Infosys]]<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090201164932/http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/29/stories/2008112952090300.htm Rajyotsava at Infosys] ''The Hindu'' 29 November 2008</ref> encourage employees to showcase the local favour by holding cultural events. The IT crowd shows their support by wearing Kannada-themed T-shirts to workplaces.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2011102520111025004147580714b2590/On-Rajyotsava-say-%E2%80%98Kannada-Baruthe%E2%80%99.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111028210931/http://bangaloremirror.com/article/10/2011102520111025004147580714b2590/On-Rajyotsava-say-%E2%80%98Kannada-Baruthe%E2%80%99.html|url-status=dead|title=On Rajyotsava, say 'Kannada Baruthe'|archive-date=28 October 2011}}</ref> Educational institutions also hold such events at schools along with flag-hoisting and the rendering of ''naadageethe''.<ref>[http://schools.papyrusclubs.com/gis/events/karnataka-rajyotsava Karnataka Rajyotsava at Gopalan International School] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120430145803/http://schools.papyrusclubs.com/gis/events/karnataka-rajyotsava |date=30 April 2012 }} schools.papyrusclubs.com</ref><ref>Mohan Kumar, BN (2 November 2010) [http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/slideshow_55th-kannada-rajyotsava-celebrations_1461046-4#top 55th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations] ''DNA''</ref>


=== Non-resident Kannadigas ===
=== Non-resident Kannadigas ===
Apart from celebrations in Karnataka, it is also observed in other regions of India with significant Kannadiga population like [[Mumbai]], New Delhi,<ref>[http://in.news.yahoo.com/karnataka-rajyotsava-celebrated-delhi.html Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrated in New Delhi] Yahoo! 1 November 2010</ref> [[Gurgaon]]<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/festivals/rajyotsava/2010/1207-kannada-rajyotsava-gurgaon-delhi-sangha.html ಗುರ್‌ಗಾಂವ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಆಚರಣೆ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> and [[Chennai]].<ref>[http://www.naavi.org/kannada/karyakrama.htm Rajyotsava celebrations conducted in Chennai] www.naavi.org</ref> Overseas Kannada organisations also take part in the festivities by arranging cultural events in countries like the United States,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1202-diwali-kannada-rajyotsava-seattle-america.html ಸಿಯಾಟಲ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> the United Kingdom, Singapore,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2008/1206-rajyotsava-deepavali-in-singapore.html ಸಿಂಗಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಸಿಂಗಾರ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> [[Dubai]],<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=68153&n_tit=Dubai%3A+Kannada+Koota+UAE+to+Celebrate+Kannada+Rajyotsava+on+Nov+13+ "Kannada Koota UAE to Celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 13"] www.daijiworld.com</ref> Qatar,<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=154643 Doha: Karnataka Sangha Qatar to Celebrate Rajyotsava Day] www.daijiworld.com</ref> [[Muscat, Oman|Muscat]],<ref>[http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17170:guru-kiran-night&catid=77:nri-events&Itemid=76 Gurukiran enthrals audience at Rajyotsava celebrations in Muscat] www.coastaldigest.com</ref> South Korea,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2011/1103-kannada-rajyotsava-2011-korea-kannada-koota-aid0037.html ಕೊರಿಯ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕೂಟದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕರೆಯೋಲೆ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Australia,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1216-kannada-rajyotsava-adelaide-australia.html ಅಡಿಲೇಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮದ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> New Zealand,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1211-kannada-rajyotsava-auckland-blood-donation.html ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ : ನ್ಯೂಜಿಲೆಂಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಂದ ರಕ್ತದಾನ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Scotland,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1122-scottish-karnataka-sangha-rajyotsava.html ಸ್ಕಾಟ್ಲಂಡ್ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಂಘದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಡಿಂಡಿಮ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Ireland,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1119-irishkannadigaru-kannada-festival-2010-dublin.html ಐರಿಶ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಹಬ್ಬ 2010] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> The Netherlands<ref>[http://shrigandha.nl/]</ref> and Germany.
Apart from celebrations in Karnataka, it is also observed in other regions of India with significant Kannadiga population like [[Mumbai]], New Delhi,<ref>[http://in.news.yahoo.com/karnataka-rajyotsava-celebrated-delhi.html Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrated in New Delhi] Yahoo! 1 November 2010</ref> [[Gurgaon]],<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/festivals/rajyotsava/2010/1207-kannada-rajyotsava-gurgaon-delhi-sangha.html ಗುರ್‌ಗಾಂವ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಆಚರಣೆ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> and [[Chennai]].<ref>[http://www.naavi.org/kannada/karyakrama.htm Rajyotsava celebrations conducted in Chennai] www.naavi.org</ref> Overseas Kannada organisations also take part in the festivities by arranging cultural events in countries like the United States,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1202-diwali-kannada-rajyotsava-seattle-america.html ಸಿಯಾಟಲ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406205753/http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1202-diwali-kannada-rajyotsava-seattle-america.html |date=6 April 2012 }} (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> the United Kingdom, Singapore,<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/nri/article/2008/1206-rajyotsava-deepavali-in-singapore.html ಸಿಂಗಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಸಿಂಗಾರ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> UAE,<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=68153&n_tit=Dubai%3A+Kannada+Koota+UAE+to+Celebrate+Kannada+Rajyotsava+on+Nov+13+ "Kannada Koota UAE to Celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 13"] www.daijiworld.com</ref> Qatar,<ref>[http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=154643 Doha: Karnataka Sangha Qatar to Celebrate Rajyotsava Day] www.daijiworld.com</ref> Oman,<ref>[http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17170:guru-kiran-night&catid=77:nri-events&Itemid=76 Gurukiran enthrals audience at Rajyotsava celebrations in Muscat] www.coastaldigest.com</ref> South Korea,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2011/1103-kannada-rajyotsava-2011-korea-kannada-koota-aid0037.html ಕೊರಿಯ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕೂಟದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕರೆಯೋಲೆ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406211030/http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2011/1103-kannada-rajyotsava-2011-korea-kannada-koota-aid0037.html |date=6 April 2012 }} (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Australia,<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/nri/article/2010/1216-kannada-rajyotsava-adelaide-australia.html ಅಡಿಲೇಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮದ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> New Zealand,<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/nri/article/2010/1211-kannada-rajyotsava-auckland-blood-donation.html ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ : ನ್ಯೂಜಿಲೆಂಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಂದ ರಕ್ತದಾನ] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Scotland,<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1122-scottish-karnataka-sangha-rajyotsava.html ಸ್ಕಾಟ್ಲಂಡ್ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಂಘದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಡಿಂಡಿಮ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406210925/http://kannada.oneindia.in/nri/article/2010/1122-scottish-karnataka-sangha-rajyotsava.html |date=6 April 2012 }} (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Ireland,<ref>[https://kannada.oneindia.com/nri/article/2010/1119-irishkannadigaru-kannada-festival-2010-dublin.html ಐರಿಶ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಹಬ್ಬ 2010] (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in</ref> Netherlands,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://shrigandha.nl/|title=ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಹಾಲೆಂಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬಳಗ|accessdate=3 February 2024}}</ref> and Germany.
{{clear}}
{{clear}}


== See also ==
== See also ==
* {{Portal inline|Holidays}}
* [[Kerala Piravi]], also celebrated on 1 November
*{{Portal inline|Holidays}}


==References==
==References==
Line 53: Line 59:


{{Indian state foundation days}}
{{Indian state foundation days}}
{{Karnataka topics}}


[[Category:1956 in India]]
[[Category:1956 in India]]
[[Category:Autumn events in India]]
[[Category:Culture of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Culture of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Indian state foundation days]]
[[Category:Indian state foundation days]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:November observances]]
[[Category:Public holidays in India]]
[[Category:Public holidays in India]]

Latest revision as of 02:34, 5 February 2026


Karnataka Rajyostsava
Kannada Rajyotsava Day
Karnataka State Day
Traditional dance of Dollu Kunitha in progress as part of Rajyotsava
Also calledKannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka Formation Day
Observed byKannadigas in India and overseas[1]
TypeState
SignificanceUnification of Kannada-speaking regions of South India as the state of Karnataka
CelebrationsHoisting of Kannada flag, Processions, Cultural events, Rajyotsava Awards[2]
BeginsEvery year 1 November
Ends1 day after the start only in Karnataka State of India
Date1 November
Next time1 November 2026 (2026-11-01)
Frequencyannual

Karnataka Rajyotsava also known as Karnataka State Day or Kannada Day amongst the Indian diaspora, is a public holiday celebrated annually on 1 November in the Indian state of Karnataka. It commemorates the merger in 1956 of the Kannada-speaking regions of southwestern India under the States Reorganisation Act to form the state in Bangalore.[3]

Kannada Rajyotsava is listed as a government holiday in Karnataka[4] and is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world.[1] It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for Rajyotsava Awards by the government of Karnataka, the hoisting of the Karnataka flag with an address from the chief minister and governor of Karnataka,[5] as well as community festivals, orchestra, Kannada book releases, and concerts.[6]

History[edit | edit source]

Main article: Unification of Karnataka

Aluru Venkata Rao was the first person who dreamt of unifying the State as early as 1905 with the Karnataka Ekikarana movement.[5] In 1950, India became republic and different provinces were formed in the country on basis of language spoken in the particular region and this gave birth to the state of Mysore including various places in south India, which the kings earlier ruled.[4] On 1 November 1956, Mysore state, comprising most of the area of the erstwhile princely state of Mysore, was merged with the Kannada-speaking areas of the Bombay and Madras presidencies, as also of the principality of Hyderabad, to create a unified Kannada-speaking sub-national entity. North Karnataka, Malnad (Canara), and old Mysore were thus the three regions of the newly formed Mysore state.[citation needed]

The newly unified state initially retained the name "Mysore", which was that of the erstwhile princely state which formed the core of the new entity.[7] But the people of North Karnataka did not favour the retention of the name Mysore, as it was closely associated with the erstwhile principality and the southern areas of the new state. In deference to this logic, the state's name was changed to "Karnataka" on 1 November 1973. Devaraj Arasu was the Chief Minister of the state when this landmark decision was taken.[8] Other people credited for the unification of Karnataka include littérateurs like K. Shivaram Karanth, Kuvempu, Masti Venkatesha Iyengar, A. N. Krishna Rao, and B. M. Srikantaiah.[5]

Celebrations of Karnataka Rajyotsava[edit | edit source]

The Kannada flag, used as an emblem of Kannada culture

Rajyotsava Day is celebrated with great joy and vigour all over Karnataka. The entire state wears a festive look on this day as the red and yellow Kannada flags are hoisted at different strategic locations across the state and the Kannada anthem ("Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate") is chanted.[9] The flag is hoisted at political party offices and several localities even as youth in many areas take out processions on their vehicles.[10] Religion not being a factor, the Rajyotsava is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims,[11] and Christians as well.[12][13]

Government procession[edit | edit source]

The state government asserts the Rajyotsava awards and Karnataka Ratna on this day, which are awarded to people responsible for outstanding contributions in the development of Karnataka.[4] The Chief Minister of the State inaugurates the cultural show which is customarily held at Kanteerava Stadium, Bangalore.[10] Awards are presented to students who have won medals in various national games.[14]

The celebrations are marked by multicoloured tableaux carrying the picture of the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari mounted on a decorated vehicle.[15] The colourful procession is also accompanied by performances of the folk artists in the fields of drama (Bayalata), traditional dance (Dollu Kunitha, Kamsale, Veeragase, Kolata), and classical carnatic music.[4]

Private establishments[edit | edit source]

Kannadigas decorated their Motorcycle with the Kannada flags
Auto rickshaws and other vehicles are decorated with yellow and red themes signifying the Kannada flag

Since 1 November is a public holiday, it is celebrated at commercial establishments on the following days of the week. Kannada flags are prominently hoisted and displayed at almost all office and business establishments across the city of Bengaluru.[10] Being a hub of several IT companies,[16] Bengaluru's major firms like TCS, IBM, Thomson Reuters, Wipro, Robert Bosch, SAP Labs,[17] Accenture, Alcatel-Lucent,[18] and Infosys[19] encourage employees to showcase the local favour by holding cultural events. The IT crowd shows their support by wearing Kannada-themed T-shirts to workplaces.[20] Educational institutions also hold such events at schools along with flag-hoisting and the rendering of naadageethe.[21][22]

Non-resident Kannadigas[edit | edit source]

Apart from celebrations in Karnataka, it is also observed in other regions of India with significant Kannadiga population like Mumbai, New Delhi,[23] Gurgaon,[24] and Chennai.[25] Overseas Kannada organisations also take part in the festivities by arranging cultural events in countries like the United States,[26] the United Kingdom, Singapore,[27] UAE,[28] Qatar,[29] Oman,[30] South Korea,[31] Australia,[32] New Zealand,[33] Scotland,[34] Ireland,[35] Netherlands,[36] and Germany.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 +Rajyotsava Dubai: Karnataka Sangha Celebrates Karnataka Rajyotsava daijiworld.com
  2. ↑ Rajyotsava award list soars to 90 The Times of India 31 October 2008
  3. ↑ "Kannadigas celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 1" news.oneindia.in
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Festivals of India – Rajyotsava Day www.festivalsofindia.in
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Karnataka Governor greets people ahead of 'Rajyotsava Day' IBN Live
  6. ↑ ‘Sacrifice of Kannadigas should be remembered' The Hindu
  7. ↑ "Karnataka Rajyotsava". 29 October 2017. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  8. ↑ Bourah, Maitreyee (2 November 2010) In the dark about Rajyotsava in Bangalore DNA
  9. ↑ Rajyotsava celebrations delayed The Times of India, 1 November 2007
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 The Hindu – Bangalore celebrates State's 55th birthday
  11. ↑ Muslim youth celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in Tumkur Archived 3 December 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ↑ Bangalore: Rajyotsava Celebrations at St Francis Xavier Cathedral www.daijiworld.com
  13. ↑ Christians celebrate Rajyotsava The Hindu 3 November 2005
  14. ↑ 53rd Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations The Hindu 2 November 2008
  15. ↑ Minister Ramdas hoists Kannada flag on Karnataka Rajyotsava The Hindu
  16. ↑ Information Technology in Karnataka www.karnataka.com
  17. ↑ SAP Labsನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡ ಹಬ್ಬ Archived 25 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  18. ↑ ಅಲ್ಕಟೆಲ್ ಲ್ಯೂಸೆಂಟ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಡಹಬ್ಬ kannada.oneindia.in
  19. ↑ Rajyotsava at Infosys The Hindu 29 November 2008
  20. ↑ "On Rajyotsava, say 'Kannada Baruthe'". Archived from the original on 28 October 2011.
  21. ↑ Karnataka Rajyotsava at Gopalan International School Archived 30 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine schools.papyrusclubs.com
  22. ↑ Mohan Kumar, BN (2 November 2010) 55th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations DNA
  23. ↑ Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrated in New Delhi Yahoo! 1 November 2010
  24. ↑ ಗುರ್‌ಗಾಂವ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ ಆಚರಣೆ (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  25. ↑ Rajyotsava celebrations conducted in Chennai www.naavi.org
  26. ↑ ಸಿಯಾಟಲ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ದೀಪಾವಳಿ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ Archived 6 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  27. ↑ ಸಿಂಗಪುರದಲ್ಲಿ ಕನ್ನಡ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವದ ಸಿಂಗಾರ (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  28. ↑ "Kannada Koota UAE to Celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on Nov 13" www.daijiworld.com
  29. ↑ Doha: Karnataka Sangha Qatar to Celebrate Rajyotsava Day www.daijiworld.com
  30. ↑ Gurukiran enthrals audience at Rajyotsava celebrations in Muscat www.coastaldigest.com
  31. ↑ ಕೊರಿಯ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕೂಟದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಕರೆಯೋಲೆ Archived 6 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  32. ↑ ಅಡಿಲೇಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಸಂಭ್ರಮದ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  33. ↑ ರಾಜ್ಯೋತ್ಸವ : ನ್ಯೂಜಿಲೆಂಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರಿಂದ ರಕ್ತದಾನ (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  34. ↑ ಸ್ಕಾಟ್ಲಂಡ್ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ ಸಂಘದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಡಿಂಡಿಮ Archived 6 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  35. ↑ ಐರಿಶ್ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಹಬ್ಬ 2010 (in Kannada) kannada.oneindia.in
  36. ↑ "ಶ್ರೀಗಂಧ ಹಾಲೆಂಡ್ ಕನ್ನಡ ಬಳಗ". Retrieved 3 February 2024.

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