Karnataka Celebrates 71st Kannada Rajyotsava with Grandeur

Bengaluru, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka celebrated its 71st Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1, 2026, with great enthusiasm across the state. Leaders and representatives paid tribute to the Kannada language, land, water, and culture during the festivities.

Known as Karnataka Formation Day, this event is observed every year on November 1. The state was formed on this date in 1956 when all Kannada-speaking regions of South India were unified under the State Reorganization Act. Initially named Mysore, it was renamed Karnataka on November 1, 1973.

On this occasion, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar paid floral tributes at the statue of Bhavaneshwari Devi located in the Vidhana Soudha complex. He was joined by Minister Madhu Bangarappa, Chief Secretary Dr. Shalini Rajanish, and other dignitaries.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, extended his greetings to the Kannada people, urging them to proudly celebrate their land, water, language, and culture. He quoted famous lines, stating, “Wherever you go and whatever you become, always remain Kannada.”

Kumaraswamy emphasized that the land that nurtures us is greater than our birth mother. He called on all Kannadigas to spread the glory of Kannada throughout the world on this auspicious day. He also participated in the Karnataka Rajyotsava program and the launch of HMT Kannada Kalai watches in Bengaluru’s Jalahalli.

In Mandya, Minister N. Chaluvarayaswamy highlighted the need for Kannada to evolve beyond a household language to one of knowledge, science, technology, and employment. During the 71st Kannada Rajyotsava ceremony at Sir M. Visvesvaraya Stadium, he raised the flag and stressed the importance of Kannada in the modern age of technology and artificial intelligence.

Mandya, home to the highest population of Kannada speakers in the state, has made significant contributions to literature and culture. Chaluvarayaswamy urged every citizen to commit to protecting Karnataka’s land, language, water, and culture.

Thirty individuals who made notable contributions in various fields were honored with district Kannada Rajyotsava awards. The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the overall development of Mandya district, highlighting the launch of 57 major development projects worth ₹1,793 crores in the presence of the Chief Minister on October 31.

During the celebrations, the Karnataka flag, featuring red and yellow, was hoisted. Students and community members participated in cultural programs, while the government recognized individuals for their outstanding contributions in arts, literature, science, and social service with prestigious state festival awards.