Udupi: The 71st Kannada Rajyotsava was celebrated with enthusiasm across Udupi district on Sunday, November 1. The district-level celebrations were held at the Ajjarkad District Sports Ground, where District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad hoisted the national flag and received the ceremonial salute from the parade contingents.
The programme brought together officials, police personnel and other participants to mark Karnataka Formation Day and celebrate the Kannada language, culture and heritage.
Minister receives ceremonial salute
The celebrations began with the hoisting of the national flag by Minister Rizwan Arshad at the district-level event.
Following the flag-hoisting ceremony, various police and other parade contingents took part in a disciplined march-past and presented the ceremonial salute to the minister.
The march-past was one of the key highlights of the programme, reflecting the formal traditions associated with the annual Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations.
Udupi declared a fully literate district
A major highlight of this year’s celebrations was the official declaration of Udupi as a fully literate district by Minister Rizwan Arshad.
The announcement added significance to the district-level Rajyotsava programme, as it recognised Udupi’s achievement in literacy.
The declaration was particularly noteworthy during an occasion dedicated to celebrating Karnataka’s identity, language and cultural heritage.
Celebrating Kannada language and heritage
Kannada Rajyotsava is observed every year on November 1 to commemorate the formation of the erstwhile Mysore State in 1956, which was later renamed Karnataka in 1973.
The occasion celebrates the Kannada language, literature, traditions and cultural identity of the state. Across Karnataka, the day is marked by flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programmes, processions and public events.
In Udupi, the district-level celebration combined the traditional Rajyotsava proceedings with the announcement of the district’s literacy achievement.
The programme highlighted the importance of preserving Kannada’s linguistic and cultural heritage while recognising achievements in education and social development.