- 1 November
- Formed in 1956
- Named Karnataka in 1973
Where it began
Before 1956, Kannada-speaking people lived across many regions: the Mysore state, the Bombay and Madras presidencies, Hyderabad state and Coorg. The Karnataka Ekikarana movement, or unification movement, worked for decades to bring them together.
On 1 November 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, these regions joined to form the new Mysore State. On 1 November 1973, the state was renamed Karnataka.
How it grew over time
1890
The Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha was founded in Dharwad to promote the Kannada language.
1915
The Kannada Sahitya Parishat was founded in Bangalore, supporting Kannada writing.
1 November 1956
The Kannada-speaking regions joined to form Mysore State.
1 November 1973
Mysore State was renamed Karnataka.
Today
The day is a state holiday, with the Rajyotsava Awards given to people who serve the state.
How it is celebrated in different places
Bengaluru
The red and yellow Kannada flag flies on buildings, autos and homes, and cultural shows fill the city.
Mysuru and Hubballi-Dharwad
Schools and colleges hold programmes on Kannada literature, music and history.
Across Karnataka
Villages and towns hold processions, songs and Yakshagana and folk dances.
US, UK and the Gulf
Kannada associations mark the day with cultural evenings.
Kannada Rajyotsava today
The chief minister hoists the state flag, and the Rajyotsava Awards honour people from literature, art, sport, science and social work. Schools sing the state song, 'Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate', written by Kuvempu.
People wear red and yellow, sing Kannada songs and share the stories of the poets and leaders who shaped the language.
