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 2024, Karnataka Rajyotsava date is November 1 (Friday). 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 2024 or Kannada Rajyotsava 2024 1 November 2024 Friday 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

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 2024 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 2024 will be hosted in Krantiveera Stadium in Bengaluru.

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.

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

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New Year’s Day Mon 01-Jan Restricted Holiday
Lohri Sat 13-Jan Restricted Holiday
Makar Sankranti Sun 14-Jan Restricted Holiday
Pongal Mon 15-Jan Restricted Holiday
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti Wed 17-Jan Restricted Holiday
Republic Day Fri 26-Jan Gazetted Holiday
Losar Sat 10-Feb Restricted Holiday
Basant Panchmi Wed 14-Feb Restricted Holiday
Guru Ravidas Jayanti Sat 24-Feb Gazetted Holiday
Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati Jayanti Wed 6-Mar Restricted Holiday
Mahashivratri Fri 8-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Holi Mon 25-March Gazetted Holiday
Good Friday Fri 29-Mar Gazetted Holiday
Easter Day Sun 31-Mar Restricted Holiday
Gudi Padwa Tue 9-Apr Restricted Holiday
Eid-ul-Fitr Wed 10-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Vaisakhi (Vishu) Sat 13-Apr Restricted Holiday
Rama Navami Wed 17-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Mahavir Jayanti Sun 21-Apr Gazetted Holiday
Rabindra Jayanti Wed 8-May Restricted Holiday
Buddha Purnima (Vesak) Thu 23-May Gazetted Holiday
Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid) Mon 17-Jun Restricted Holiday
Rath Yatra Sun 7-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Muharram (Ashura) Wed 17-Jul Gazetted Holiday
Independence Day Thu 15-Aug Gazetted Holiday
Parsi New Year’s Day (Nauraz) Thu 15-Aug Public Holiday
Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) Mon 19-Aug Restricted Holiday
Janmashtami Mon 26-Aug Restricted Holiday
Ganesh Chaturthi Sat 7-Sep Restricted Holiday
Onam Sun 15-Sep Restricted Holiday
Milad-un-Nabi or Id-e- Milad Mon 16-Sep Gazetted Holiday
Gandhi Jayanti Wed 02-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dussehra Sat 12-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Valmiki Jayanti Thu 17-Oct Restricted Holiday
Karva Chauth Sun 20-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Dhanteras Tue 29-Oct Restricted Holiday
Kali Puja Thu 31-Oct Gazetted Holiday
Halloween Day Thu 31-Oct No Holiday
Diwali Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Lakshmi Puja Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Karnataka Rajyotsava Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Kerala Piravi Fri 1-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Govardhan Puja Sat 2-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Bhai Dooj Sun 3-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Chhath Puja Thu 7-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Guru Nanak Jayanti Fri 15-Nov Gazetted Holiday
Christmas Wed 25-Dec Public Holiday

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.