Kannada Rajyotsava or Kannada Day, also known as Karnataka Formation Day or Karnataka Rajyotsava, is celebrated on 1st November of every year. This was the day in 1973, when all the Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form the state of ‘‘Karnataka.”

In memory of that day, we celebrated Kannada Rajyotsava Day along with FSL India’s  volunteers, locals and children at Baikadi Tent School.

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 flags are hoisted at different strategic locations across the state and the Kannada anthem (“Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate“) is chanted. The flag is hoisted at political party offices and several localities, even as youth in many areas take out processions on two wheelers. Religion not being a factor, the Rajyotsava is celebrated by Hindus, Muslims and Christians as well.

It was a pleasure to celebrate our state’s formation day with the children. This celebration has brought knowledge to the children about Karnataka state, its people, unity and language. It has helped them to gain information on the diversity of our state’s culture.