Karnataka Rajyotsava

Kannada Rajyotsava
Karnataka State Day
Traditional dance of Dollu Kunitha in progress as part of Rajyotsava
Also calledKannada Rajyotsava, Karnataka Formation Day
Observed byKannadigas in India and overseas[1]
TypeState
SignificanceUnification of Kannada-speaking regions of South India as the state of Karnataka
CelebrationsHoisting of Kannada flag, Processions, Cultural events, Rajyotsava Awards[2]
BeginsEvery year 1 November
Ends1 day after the start only in Karnataka State of India
Date1 November
Next time1 November 2025 (2025-11-01)
Frequencyannual

Karnataka Rajyotsava, also known as Karnataka State Day, is a public holiday celebrated annually on 1 November in the Indian state of Karnataka. It commemorates the merger in 1956 of the Kannada-speaking regions of southwestern India under the States Reorganisation Act to form the state.[3]

Kannada Rajyotsava is listed as a government holiday in Karnataka[4] and is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world.[1] It is marked by the announcement and presentation of the honours list for Rajyotsava Awards by the government of Karnataka, the hoisting of the Karnataka flag with an address from the chief minister and governor of Karnataka,[5] as well as community festivals, orchestra, Kannada book releases, and concerts.[6]