Kannada Rajyotsava

Kannadiga families celebrate Kannada Rajyotasava on November 1 in Arizona. Photo sent by Prasanna LR Phoenix, AZ, USA

November 1st is celebrated as 'Kannada Rajyotsava' or 'Karnataka Formation Day' every year by Kannadigas (Kannada speaking people) all around the world. It was on this day that all Kannada speaking regions of South India merged together to separately form a state, Karnataka.  North Karnataka, Malnad and Old Mysore were thus the three regions of the newly formed Mysore State. People of  North Karnataka did not favour the retention of the name Mysore, the name of the state was changed to Karnataka on November 1, 1973. D Devraj Urs was the Chief Minister of the state when this landmark decision was taken.   November 1st is declared as State Holiday in Karnataka. On this day, the  Karnataka flag will be hoisted at various places in Karnataka. The famous verse from State Poet Kuvempu, "Yelladaru Iru,Yentadaru iru,Yendendigu nee Kannada vaarigu" (Wherever you are, however you are, be a Kannadiga forever) Wishing all Kannadigas in India and around the world,a very "Happy Kannada Rajyotsava!". Posted by Swathi Pradeep, Memphis