Karnataka Rajyotsava or Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated to commemorate the foundation of Karnataka. This day is celebrated as the state’s birthday since it became an independent state of all Kannada-speaking people in 1973. In 2023, Karnataka Rajyotsava date is November 1, 2023 (Wednesday). Read here all about Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Formation Day History, Origin and Celebration with the Best Wishes list.
| Festival Name | Date | Day | State | Holiday Type |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava 2023 or Kannada Rajyotsava 2023 | 1 November 2023 | Wednesday | Karnataka | Regional |
What is Karnataka Rajyotsava?
Karnataka Rajyotsava is celebrated with joy and enthusiasm to mark the foundation of Karnataka as an independent state in the country. In 1973, all the Kannada-speaking people formed a state and named it Karnataka. This is why people celebrate this day as Karnataka Rajyotsava or Karnataka Formation Day meaning the birth celebration of the state Karnataka.
History and Origin of Karnataka Rajyotsava/ Kannada Rajyotsava
Karnataka Rajyotsava
India became a republic in 1950 and language-particular regions were formed which gave birth to various places in South India including Mysore, which was earlier ruled by the kings.
In the year 1956, all Kannada-speaking regions of South India were merged into Mysore. The name Mysore was not accepted by some regions of North Karnataka and people residing in these areas demanded a change in the name of the state.
In 1973, after the prolonged discussion over the issue, the state of all Kannada-speaking people was renamed Karnataka on November 1st. The decision of the merger is owed to then Chief Minister of State, Late Devaraj Urs and every year this day is celebrated as Kannada Rajyotsava or Karnataka Rajyotsava Day. However, the first movement for the recognition of the state was started by Aluru Venkata Rao with the Karnataka Ekikarana Movement in 1905.
Suggested Read: Places to Visit in Mysore
What to expect at Karnataka Rajyotsava Celebrations?
The Kannada Rajyotsava Day is always celebrated with great joy by the residents all over Karnataka to commemorate the birth of the state. People wear yellow & red-coloured traditional attire. People greet each other with Karnataka Rajyotsava wishes. Some of the famous events for celebrating the Kannada Rajyotsava 2023 are:
1. Rajyotsava Award
The State Government of Karnataka organises the Rajyotsava Awards to recognize the contribution of people towards the development of the state. It is the second-highest Civilian Honor in Karnataka. The award was instituted in 1966 by the state government to recognize the significant contribution of people in numerous fields such as education, agriculture, environment, judiciary, journalism, literature, etc. The Chief Minister of the state inaugurates the ceremony and the award distribution. Karnataka Rajyotsava Award 2023 will be hosted in Krantiveera Stadium in Bengaluru.
- Places to Stay: Hotels near Krantiveera Stadium
2. Flag Hoisting
Karnataka Rajyotsava is a colourful celebration with yellow and red flags being hoisted across the state. At several strategic places, the flags are hoisted with the recitation of the Karnataka anthem “Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate”. The Chief Minister of the state and the governor of the state attend the main event of the flag hoisting. Ma Ramamurthy created the flag which represents harmony and bravery.
3. Cultural Events
The celebration of Karnataka Day is also accompanied by traditional performances of folk artists in the fields of dance, drama, and classical music. Various stalls are set up for food, games, clothes, and handmade products. Prize distribution for fancy dress competitions, dancing, painting, theatre, etc. are organised.
4. Theme-based Attire & Costume Contest
People wear traditional attire with a theme of red & yellow colours. Costume competitions are organised where numerous games are also played. People dress up according to the colours of the flag which determines bravery and harmony. The winners of these costume competitions are rewarded with gifts and prizes as a token of appreciation.
How to Witness Kannada Rajyotsava Celebrations
Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated with joy and fun in the state of Karnataka. To witness the celebrations, one has to be in Karnataka during the time of the festival. The vibe of the festivities is unmatched in the state where it originated. Besides the festival celebrations, one can also indulge in the amazing places to visit in Karnataka. Some of the famous places are Bangalore, Mysore, Hampi, Agumbe, Coorg, and Bandipur National Park.
- Places to Stay: Hotels in Bangalore, Hotels in Coorg, Hotels in Mysore
How to Wish Kannada Rajyotsava?
People start by wishing “Happy Karnataka Rajyotsava” and “Happy Kannada Rajyotsava”. Some of the other famous Karnataka Rajyotsava greetings are “Jai Karnataka Mathe” Kannadambe, “Sirigannadam Gelge”, “Sirigannadam Balge” and “Jai Bharath Matha.”
Other Festivals in India with Holiday Type
| Festivals in India | Day | Date | Holiday Type |
| New Year | Sunday | 1 January | Public |
| Lohri | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Makar Sankranti | Saturday | 14 January | Restricted |
| Pongal | Sunday | 15 January | Restricted |
| Basant Panchmi | Thursday | 26 January | Restricted |
| Republic Day | Thursday | 26 January | Public |
| Guru Ravidass Jayanti | Sunday | 5 February | Restricted |
| Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti | Wednesday | 15 February | Restricted |
| Mahashivratri | Saturday | 18 February | Restricted |
| Losar | Tuesday | 21 February | Restricted |
| Holi | Wednesday | 8 March | Public |
| Ram Navami | Thursday | 30 March | Restricted |
| Mahavir Jayanti | Tuesday | 4 April | Restricted |
| Good Friday | Friday | 7 April | Public |
| Easter | Sunday | 9 April | Restricted |
| Vaisakhi | Friday | 14 April | Restricted |
| Eid Ul Fitr | Saturday | 22 April | Public |
| Buddha Purnima | Friday | 5 May | Public |
| Rabindra Jayanti | Tuesday | 9 May | Restricted |
| Rath Yatra | Tuesday | 20 June | Restricted |
| Eid Al Adha | Thursday | 29 June | Restricted |
| Muharram | Saturday | 29 July | Public |
| Independence Day | Tuesday | 15 August | Public |
| Parsi New Year Navroz | Wednesday | 16 August | Restricted |
| Onam | Tuesday | 29 August | Restricted |
| Raksha Bandhan | Wednesday | 30 August | Restricted |
| Janmashtami | Thursday | 7 September | Restricted |
| Ganesh Chaturthi | Tuesday | 19 September | Restricted |
| Id E Milad | Thursday | 28 September | Public |
| Gandhi Jayanti | Monday | 2 October | Public |
| Shardiya Navratri | Sunday | 15 October | No Holiday |
| Durga Puja | Friday | 20 October | No Holiday |
| Dussehra | Tuesday | 24 October | Public |
| Valmiki Jayanti | Saturday | 28 October | Restricted |
| Halloween Day | Tuesday | 31 October | No Holiday |
| Karva Chauth | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Karnataka Rajyotsava | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Kerala Piravi | Tuesday | 1 November | Restricted |
| Ahoi Ashtami | Sunday | 5 November | No Holiday |
| Dhanteras | Saturday | 11 November | No Holiday |
| Diwali | Sunday | 12 November | Public |
| Kali Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Lakshmi Puja | Sunday | 12 November | No Holiday |
| Govardhan Puja | Monday | 13 November | Public |
| Bhai Dooj | Tuesday | 14 November | Restricted |
| Chhath Puja | Sunday | 19 November | Restricted |
| Guru Nanak Jayanti | Monday | 27 November | Public |
| Kartik Purnima | Monday | 27 November | No Holiday |
| Christmas | Monday | 25 December | Public |
FAQs
Q. Is Karnataka Rajyotsava a government holiday?
A. No, Karnataka Rajyotsava is not a government holiday, it is a regional holiday.
Q. What is special on November 1st in Karnataka?
A. On November 1st, Karnataka Rajyotsava is celebrated in Karnataka.
Q. Who introduced the Kannada flag?
A. Ma Ramamurthy created the Kannada flag which represents bravery and harmony.
Q. What is the history of Karnataka?
A. In 1956, it was formed as Mysore State and in 1973, it was renamed as Karnataka.
