Karnataka schools ordered to observe Kannada Rajyotsava as headmasters raise concerns over Sunday holiday Kannada Rajyotsava 2026: The Karnataka School Education and Literacy Department has directed all government, aided and unaided primary and high schools across the state to celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1, even though the occasion falls on a Sunday this year.
The directive requires schools to organise celebrations on the designated day rather than postpone them because of the weekly holiday.A circular issued by the office of the Commissioner for School Education and Literacy on October 15 instructed officials to ensure that the celebrations are conducted properly across schools.
The order applies to government, aided and unaided institutions, including private schools, and reiterates the requirement to observe national and state festivals on their respective dates.Department reiterates mandatory celebrationsThe circular states that national and state festivals must be celebrated respectfully in all government, aided and unaided primary and secondary schools in Karnataka, in accordance with the prescribed rules.It also clarifies that state festivals cannot be postponed on the grounds that the scheduled date falls on a holiday.
The department has asked officials to ensure compliance with the instructions and has made it clear that schools must observe Kannada Rajyotsava on November 1.
Education minister stresses significance of the occasionSchool Education and Literacy Minister Madhu Bangarappa said schools should not disregard the celebrations because November 1 falls on a Sunday.
He described Rajyotsava as a festival and a day of pride for the state.The minister reiterated that state festivals must be observed on their designated dates, regardless of whether the day is a holiday.
The department's directive follows this position and requires institutions to make arrangements for the celebrations.Sunday holiday raises concerns among schoolsThe order has prompted questions among some school authorities because the celebrations fall on a Sunday.
A Bengaluru government school headmaster said parents might be reluctant to send their children to school on a weekly holiday.The headmaster also pointed to the holiday available to teachers after several months of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work, raising concerns about attendance and participation.Despite these concerns, the department's instructions require schools to organise Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations on November 1.
The circular does not permit postponement solely because the date coincides with a Sunday.Kannada Rajyotsava marks the formation of Karnataka and is observed annually on November 1.
The department's directive covers primary and secondary schools throughout the state, including government-run, aided and private unaided institutions.
