Key highlights of Rajyotsava Day include:
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State Flag Hoisting: The day starts with the hoisting of the Karnataka state flag and the singing of the state anthem, "Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate."
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Awards and Honors: The Karnataka government presents the Rajyotsava Awards to individuals and organizations for their contributions to the state's development in various fields such as arts, education, literature, and social service.
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Cultural Programs: Various cultural events and performances showcasing the rich heritage and traditions of Karnataka are organized. These include folk dances, music performances, and plays.
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Parades and Processions: Parades and processions are held in different parts of the state, with people dressed in traditional attire participating enthusiastically.
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Decorations and Celebrations: Public buildings, schools, and offices are decorated with red and yellow, the colors of the Karnataka flag. People celebrate with traditional food, festivities, and community gatherings.
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Public Holiday: Rajyotsava Day is a public holiday in Karnataka, allowing people to participate in the celebrations and events.
History
The history of Rajyotsava Day is tied to the formation of the state of Karnataka and the linguistic reorganization of Indian states. Here’s a detailed look at the historical background of Rajyotsava Day:Pre-Independence Era
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Early Kingdoms and Empires: The region that is now Karnataka was historically part of several great kingdoms and empires, including the Chalukyas, the Hoysalas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Each contributed to the region's rich cultural and historical heritage.
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British Rule: During the British colonial period, Karnataka was divided into different administrative regions under the British East India Company and later under the British Raj. The region was part of the Bombay Presidency, the Madras Presidency, and the Hyderabad State.
Post-Independence Era
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Linguistic Reorganization: After India gained independence in 1947, there was a significant movement to reorganize states based on language. Leaders and activists from Karnataka advocated for the creation of a separate state for Kannada-speaking people.
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State Reorganization Act, 1956: The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a landmark legislation that reorganized state boundaries based on linguistic and cultural identities. As a result, the new state of Karnataka was formed, combining Kannada-speaking regions from the Bombay, Madras, and Hyderabad presidencies.
Formation of Karnataka
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November 1, 1956: The state of Karnataka was officially formed on November 1, 1956. Initially called "Mysore State," it was renamed "Karnataka" on November 1, 1973, to reflect a broader cultural heritage and identity.
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First Chief Minister: The first Chief Minister of Karnataka was K. C. Reddy, who played a significant role in the formation and early administration of the state.
Celebration
The Rajyotsava Day is celebrated with great joy and vigor all over the state of Karnataka. The state government asserts Rajyotsava awards on this day, which are awarded to people responsible for great contributions in the development of Karnataka.
The entire state wears a festive look on this day as Kannada flags are hoisted at different strategic locations across the state and people of Karnataka can be seen decked up in red and yellow colored traditional attire. Males can be seen dressed in yellow and red turban while females delightfully carry yellow and red colored saris. The celebrations are marked by multicolored tableaux carrying the picture of the Goddess Bhuvaneshwari mounted on a fabulously decorated vehicle.
The colorful procession is also accompanied by stunning performances of the folk artists in the fields of drama, dance and classical music. In many cities and towns, grand parades are organized with colorful floats, traditional dance troupes, and bands. These parades often feature representations of Karnataka's history, culture, and achievements.
Educational institutions organize various activities such as debates, speeches, and cultural performances by students. These events are aimed at educating the younger generation about Karnataka's history and significance.
The processions are a community affair, with people from all walks of life participating enthusiastically, often dressed in traditional Kannada attire.