Karnataka Rajyotsava 2025: Know the Date, History, and How Karnataka Celebrates Its Foundation Day

Karnataka Foundation Day, also known as Kannada Rajyotsava, is a proud occasion that brings together millions of Kannadigas to celebrate the unity, language, and culture of Karnataka.

What is Kannada Rajyotsava?

Kannada Rajyotsava 2025, also called Karnataka Foundation Day, will be celebrated on November 1. The day marks the formation of the modern state of Karnataka in 1956, when all Kannada-speaking regions were unified under the States Reorganisation Act. This brought together areas from Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, and Coorg into one state, originally named Mysore State. Later, in 1973, the name was officially changed to Karnataka to highlight the region's cultural identity.
Every year, the Karnataka government also presents the prestigious Rajyotsava Awards, the second-highest civilian honour in the state. These awards recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Karnataka's development, culture, and social progress.

How Kannada Rajyotsava is Celebrated Across Karnataka

The celebrations of Karnataka Foundation Day are grand and full of colour. The entire state, from Bengaluru to Belagavi and Mysuru to Mangaluru, is decorated with red & yellow flowers, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, processions, and cultural events organised.

The red and yellow Karnataka flag is proudly displayed on buildings, streets, and vehicles to symbolise pride of Karnataka. The state anthem, "Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate", written by Kuvempu, is sung across schools, offices, and other public events.

Schools, government offices, and IT companies mainly closed on this day, but some may organise special programmes with artists and folk dancers to represent Karnataka's traditions. On Karnataka Rajyotsava Day, people all along are in a festive spirit. Streets are decorated with lights and banners in the state's colours, adding a festive spirit everywhere.

Is Karnataka Foundation Day a Public Holiday?

Yes, Karnataka Foundation Day is listed as a public state holiday in the state. The holiday is officially gazetted, and all state government offices, schools, colleges, and banks in Karnataka remain closed on this day. However, outside Karnataka, the day is not generally a public or bank holiday, though Kannadiga communities may celebrate it culturally.