Karnataka Rajyotsava: CM Yediyurappa to confer 64 personalities with Rajyotsava Prashasti award

Karnataka Rajyotsava, widely celebrated on November 1 every year, began its tradition in 1956, wherein all Kannada language-speaking regions of the South were merged to form one state called ‘Karnataka’. Since then, the day has been celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava, Kannada Day or Karnataka Formation Day.

Bangalore: Karnataka Rajyotsava - Back on November 1 of 1956, all Kannada language-speaking regions of South India were merged to form one state called Karnataka. Ever since then, the day has been celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava, Kannada Day or Karnataka Formation Day.

The day is marked by community festivals, concerts and a host of other events. It also sees the chanting of Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate, which is the Kannada anthem.

This year, the Karnataka state government has decided to confer the Rajyotsava Prashasti award on 64 personalities from across various fields. The awards will be given today, which will be the 64th Kannada Rajyotsava, by chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Rajyotsava Awards is the second-highest civilian honour in the state of Karnataka and is conferred annually by the state government.

The Rajyotsava awards are given to people in various fields including literature, theatre, music, folk art, sculpture, painting, sports, yoga, films, television, Yakshagana, Bayalata, education, journalism, social service, agriculture, environment, medicine, and the judiciary.

The foundation day is also called Karnataka Rajyotsava, and red and yellow state flags adorn the streets, houses and official buildings to celebrate the foundation of the state.

The erstwhile state of Mysore which was an amalgamation of all Kannada speaking districts across South India was formed on November 1, 1956. However, in 1973, on November 1, state CM Devraj Arasu reorganised the state of Karnataka and is recognised as the foundation day of the state.