Bengaluru celebrates 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava with cultural fervour and Kannada pride

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, Nov 2, 2026: The 71st Karnataka Rajyotsava was celebrated with enthusiasm across Bengaluru on Sunday, with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, felicitation of achievers and tributes to Kannada language and heritage.

At a programme organised by Kannada Sene, which has been working for the promotion of Kannada language and culture for the past 40 years, prominent personalities from various fields were honoured and veterans were remembered.

Addressing the gathering, Kannada Sene president K R Kumar said the organisation had contributed to Karnataka’s development through constructive initiatives. He called upon the eight crore Kannadigas to introspect on issues concerning the language and state, particularly those living outside Karnataka.

At a separate celebration organised by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL), Managing Director Dr V Ram Prasath Manohar said language, culture and traditions were the real strengths of a state.

He observed that a state was not merely a geographical entity, but was defined by its people, language, culture and traditions. Kannada, with its rich heritage spanning thousands of years, was a matter of pride for everyone, he said.

While learning other languages was welcome, people should not forget their mother tongue, culture and traditions. Instilling pride in Kannada among children was everyone’s responsibility, he added.

Societies that respect their own language and culture progress with confidence, while thinking and creativity in one’s mother tongue help strengthen individual abilities, Manohar said.

Describing his service in Karnataka as a matter of pride, he urged everyone to contribute to the state’s development and the preservation of Kannada language and culture.

"Rajyotsava should not be limited to a one-day celebration, but should be a resolve to pass on Kannada language, culture and tradition to the next generation," he said.

Meanwhile, the Kannada Janashakti Kendra organised a flag-hoisting ceremony at Freedom Park. Kannada activist Sa Ra Govindu hoisted the flag and addressed the gathering.

Kendra president Ramegowda Malanad urged the government to ensure employment opportunities for Kannadigas in both the government and private sectors. He said the aspirations of Kannadigas remained unfulfilled even after 71 years and called for the protection of Kannada-medium schools in border areas.

At another programme organised by the Karnataka Rajyotsava Samithi near Mysore Bank Circle, senior Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj was felicitated as part of ’Kannada Habba-70’.

Chamarajpet, which has been celebrating Naada Habba for the past 70 years, witnessed a colourful display of Karnataka’s folk traditions. Organised by the Chamarajapet Nadahabba Kannada Rajyotsava Samithi, the celebrations featured performances of Veeragase, Huli Kunitha, Dollu Kunitha and Yakshagana.

The Jaya Karnataka Janapara Vedike marked its sixth anniversary along with Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations at Barton Centre on MG Road. Founder president B Gunaranjan Shetty, state president Srinivas S, representatives of the Barton Centre Owners Association, Church Street Welfare Association and Bengaluru Traders Association, along with several Kannada activists, participated in the event.