Bhatkal: Under the auspices of the Taluka Administration, Taluka Panchayat, Bhatkal Municipality, and Jali Patan Panchayat, Kannada Rajya Utsava was celebrated at various locations in Bhatkal, with Karnataka Day observed on a grand scale. Dr. Naina N, the Assistant Commissioner of Bhatkal, inaugurated the stage program at Bhatkal Taluka Stadium (popularly known as YMSA Ground) by hoisting the national flag. The Rajya Utsava was also celebrated at Jali Beach with kite flying, Murdeshwar Beach with a boat rally, and Hanifabad Urdu Government School with the lighting of lamps on the map of Karnataka.

It is worth recalling that Kannada Rajya Utsava is celebrated in Karnataka on 1st November every year, also known as Karnataka Formation Day or Karnataka Day, which commemorates the merger of Kannada-speaking regions in Southwestern India in 1956, resulting in the creation of the state initially named Mysore. On November 1, 1973, the name was officially changed to Karnataka, and it was declared as Karnataka Foundation Day (or Karnataka Day) by the then Chief Minister Devaraj Urs. Since then, Karnataka Rajya Utsav has been celebrated on 1st November every year, with holidays granted in schools and government offices on this day.

In Bhatkal, the program commenced with the hoisting of the Karnataka flag in the premises of Bhatkal Taluk Adalita Saudha (formerly known as Bhatkal Mini Vidhan Saudha). Subsequently, a rally passed through Shamsuddin Circle and the National Highway to Nawayat Colony Taluka Stadium, where the stage program took place.

After hoisting the national flag at the stadium, Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina emphasized the importance of giving priority to the Kannada language in the state and provided information about the Rajya Utsava celebration. Gangadhar Naik, the president of Kannada Sahitya Parishad, delivered a lecture on the historical heritage of Kannada.

Several individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields were felicitated and honored, including M J Tillottame Konar, Shweta Naik, Sahil Gomes, Baal Chandra Hebbar, Kuppa Marathi, Ganapati Kaikini, BEO VD Moger, Municipal Health Inspector Sujiya Suman, Headmaster of IAUHS Shabbir Ahmed Dafedar, Manju Naik, Fire Brigade Officer S Ramesh, and Pranavi Ramchandra Kini.

The program was hosted by teacher Shridhar Shet, and it concluded with various school children presenting Kannada cultural performances.

In addition to Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, other dignitaries present on the dais included Tahsildar Thippe Swamy, Taluka Panchayat Executive Officer Prabhakar Chikkanmane, Municipal Chief Officer Neel Kanth Mesta, Jali Patan Panchayat Chief Officer Manjappa N, Bhatkal DySP Srikanth K, and Block Education Officer VD Moger.

Kannad Rajya Utsava in Urdu School:
Children of Hanifabad Government Urdu Higher Primary School in Heble Panchayat limits celebrated Kannada Rajya Utsava in a unique way. Here, while lighting lamps around the map of Karnataka, children recited poems in Kannada, and school teachers imparted information to the children on the occasion of Karnataka Day.

Kannada Rajya Utsava in Murdeshwar:

The speed boat, which is used for tourism at Murdeshwar Beach, was taken out into the Arabian Sea by hoisting the Kannada flag on the boats, celebrating Karnataka Day in a unique way.

Kite Flying Demonstration in Jali:

On the occasion of Karnataka Day, Bhatkal Municipality and Jali Patan Panchayat officials presented a kite-flying demonstration with kites bearing the colors of the Karnataka flag on the beach of Jali. The kites painted the skies with their vibrant colors. Assistant Commissioner Dr. Naina, Tahsildar Tippe Swamy, Municipal and Jali Patan Panchayat Chief Officers Neel Kanth Mesta and Manjappa, along with other municipal and Jali Panchayat officials, were present on the occasion.