Karnataka State Formation Day

On November 1, the state of Karnataka was formed, and this day is celebrated as its Formation day. The State of Mysore, the Nizams of Hyderabad, the Madras (now Chennai) Presidency, and the Bombay (now Mumbai) Presidency dominated South India. The limits of Mysore state were redrawn in 1956 to incorporate Kannada-speaking areas in neighbouring states.

On the same day, Andhra Pradesh, a neighbouring state with Telugu-speaking districts, was founded. On November 1, 1973, the city’s name was changed from ‘Mysore’ to ‘Karnataka.’ Since then, November 1 has been observed as a commemoration of the state’s founding.

The day also commemorates the formation of several new states, including Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan. Karnataka Rajyotsava Day is observed throughout the state, and the state’s official red and yellow flags adorn the streets, houses, and government buildings.

History

• The state of Mysore was formed by combining several areas of the region that monarchs previously governed. The new form was called Mysore, a royal state in its own right. 
• The name Mysore was not well received in the North and Hyderabad areas. The residents of this area demanded that the name be changed. On November 1, 1973, the state’s name was changed to Karnataka after much controversy.
• Initially, everyone was pleased with the name change. However, when the state marks the 60th anniversary of that year, it looks to be torn apart by several internal and external wars. 
• Even though the term “Karnataka” has ancient roots, the present-day state of Karnataka was divided into over 20 administrative divisions, including princely states, the Madras and Bombay presidencies, and the Nizam’s Hyderabad state.
• With the founding of the Karnataka VidyavardhakaSangha in Dharwad in the late 19th century, the drive for Karnataka’s union began. 
• According to records, the Sangha approved a resolution in 1912 calling on the British to integrate the Kannada-speaking territories. 
• The state of Mysore began to operate in 1881 when the former Maharaja Sri Chamarajendra Wadiyar gained control and issued the decree for the first representative parliament. 
• Parts of the nearby Bellary District from Madras State were annexed to Mysore State with the creation of Andhra State in 1953. 
• Inequality encountered by Kannada-speaking people in other administrative regions prompted the call for unification in the 1950s and prior. 
• There was also concern among the Vokkaligas, who are concentrated in the Mysore region, that they would lose their numerical advantage.
• Some of these grumbles have surfaced in discussions over water needs. Many people have wondered why the Mahadayi and Cauvery agitations have received much attention from political parties and Sandalwood. 
• Still, the Netravati protests in coastal Karnataka have not been wholly associated with “Kannada” and “Karnataka.”
• However, different parts of Karnataka have distinct cultural traditions regarding food, culture, community, festivals, and linguistic diversity. 

Recent years

• The formation day is celebrated in Karnataka on November 1.
• In 1993, it was decided to commemorate Kannada Awareness Week. Every year, the Karnataka government announces the Rajyotsava awards, granted to persons who have made significant contributions to the state. 
• Aluru Venkata Rao established the Karnataka Ekikarana movement in 1905.
• It culminated in the formation of the Mysore state, which amalgamated the former princely state of Mysore with the Kannada-speaking portions of the Bombay and Madras presidencies and the principality of Hyderabad to establish a unified Kannada-speaking state. 
• On November 1, 1973, it was granted Karnataka under the rule of then-Chief Minister Devaraj Arasu.
• It is a government holiday in the state, and Kannadigas commemorate it worldwide. 
• The Government of Karnataka also presents the Rajyotsava Awards on this day every year.

Culture

• Karnataka’s primary theatrical genre is the Yakshagana of Malnad and coastal Karnataka, a traditional dance play. 
• The Mysuru styles of Bharatanatyam, popularised by JattiTayamma, reign supreme in the state. Karnataka is home to several well-known Hindustani artists, including Gangubai Hangal, Mallikarjun Mansur, Bhimsen Joshi, Basavaraj Rajguru, Sawai Gandharva, and others. 
• Southern Karnataka’s traditional headgear is the PETA, whereas northern Karnataka prefers the pagadi or patagia (similar to a Rajasthani turban).
• Every year, Kannadigas residing in the state, throughout the country, and foreign countries commemorate Karnataka’s formation with tremendous zeal. 
• Red and yellow flags are flown over streets, homes, and government buildings. To commemorate the day when the Karnataka state was formed, The Kannada national anthem, ‘Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate’ (Victory to you, mother Karnataka, daughter of mother India), is also performed.
• The annual Karnataka Rajyotsava awards, established in 1966 and are the state’s second-highest civilian honour, are also presented during the festivities. 
• Dr. Sudarshan, who heads the state’s technical advisory group on Covid-19, and renowned tennis star Rohan Bopanna are among the 66 notable persons who will get the prize this year.
• The Rajyotsava (‘state festival’) was celebrated the day in 1956 when the Karnataka state was formed by unifying the Kannada-speaking territories of south India. 
• The state Chief Minister hoists the state flag and delivers a speech at Bengaluru’s Krantiveera stadium, hosting the primary ceremonies. Karnataka draws its name from the language found in many hundred-year-old literary writings.

Conclusion

The formation day is celebrated in Karnataka on November 1st. The event instilled in the audience a sense of pride in being a part of such a vibrant culture. If you’re someone who doesn’t live in Karnataka and are planning a trip to Karnataka soon, don’t miss out on the state’s colourful celebration. 

This event, which is celebrated every year, will undoubtedly delight you and provide you with a glimpse of the rich culture of the south. Plan your Karnataka vacation and participate in the Karnataka festivals. Karnataka Rajyotsava Day should be celebrated with good food, fun, and health.