Karnataka Rajyotsava 2023: All You Need To Know About Karnataka Formation Day
Karnataka Rajyotsava or Karnataka Foundation Day is celebrated on November 1 every year to mark the state's formation in 1956.
Karnataka Foundation Day or Karnataka Rajyotsava is celebrated on November 1 every year. On this day in the year 1956, all the Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form the state of Karnataka.
Karnataka Formation Day: History
Prior to India's independence in 1947, Karnataka was divided into various princely states such as Mysuru and regions under direct British administration like the Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
After India gained independence in 1947, the country was divided into states on the basis of administrative convenience rather than linguistic lines. This meant that Kannada-speaking regions were scattered across different states.
The 1950s saw a growing demand for the unification of all Kannada-speaking regions into a single state. There were protests, demonstrations, and literary movements which were led by several notable figures from the fields of literature, politics, etc
In 1956, the Government of India passed the States Reorganisation Act after considering the demands for linguistic-based states across the country.
As a result of this act, on November 1, 1956, the Kannada-speaking regions of the Bombay Presidency, the Madras Presidency, the princely state of Hyderabad and the old state of Mysore were merged to form a new state. This state was initially called the 'Mysore State'. In 1973, the Mysore State was renamed as 'Karnataka' to better represent all the Kannada-speaking regions of the state.
Karnataka Formation Day: Significance
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 official Karnataka flag with an address from the Chief Minister and Governor of the state along with community festivals, orchestra, Kannada book releases and concerts
Karnataka Formation Day: Events
Karnataka Rajyotsava is celebrated with great enthusiasm and state pride throughout Karnataka. The state flag is hoisted, and cultural events, parades and other festivities mark the occasion.
