Mysuru is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for this year’s grand Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1st. The absolute highlight will be a special tableau, proudly marking the centenary of ‘Nada Geethe,’ Karnataka’s beloved State anthem.
This magnificent celebration will feature a series of captivating tableaux, each designed to showcase the rich glory and enduring heritage of the Kannada language and its vibrant culture.
During a recent planning meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Additional Deputy Commissioner P. Shivaraj emphasized the importance of widespread participation. He issued a directive stating that all government employees are required to attend the event, with their presence officially recorded. “These celebrations are not just an event; they are a grand and meaningful tribute to our state’s spirit,” he affirmed.
The main district-level Rajyotsava event will commence at 9 a.m. at the Oval Grounds, where the Minister in charge of Mysuru district, H.C. Mahadevappa, is slated to preside.
Before the stage program begins, a sacred puja will be performed for Goddess Bhuvaneshwari at the historic Mysuru Palace premises at 8 a.m. Following this, Dr. Mahadevappa will officially flag off the vibrant Rajyotsava procession. This colorful parade will set off from the Oval Grounds, wind its way through K.R. Circle, and eventually return to its starting point. Spectators can look forward to a dazzling display featuring diverse cultural troupes, disciplined police bands, and a variety of thematic tableaux.
The Mysuru City Corporation is diligently managing all necessary arrangements for the event, while the Department of Kannada and Culture is providing the engaging cultural performances for the procession.
A significant part of the festivities will include the felicitation of deserving students who achieved top scores in Kannada in the SSLC and PUC examinations during the previous academic year. Additionally, distinguished individuals who have made outstanding contributions in various fields across the district will also be honored, Mr. Shivaraj confirmed.
Community leaders and representatives from various organizations present at the meeting voiced their appeals. They urged prominent establishments like star hotels and shopping malls to ensure their name boards prominently feature Kannada. Furthermore, they advocated for cinema theaters to prioritize screening more Kannada films. A collective demand was made for at least 60% of all shop and mall signboards to be in Kannada, with a strong suggestion that the city corporation enforce this requirement when issuing trade licenses and approvals.
The preparatory meeting saw the attendance of M.D. Sudarshan, Assistant Director of the Department of Kannada and Culture, along with officials from various government departments and influential leaders from Kannada organizations.