Places to celebrate Kanaka Dasa Jayanti in Karnataka!

Kanaka Dasa Jayanti is one such celebration that the entire state of Karnataka observes to honour the birth anniversary of Kanaka Dasa, a poet, philosopher, musician, and social reformer. It is a celebration on the 18th day of the Karthik month in the Hindu calendar. Some of the great works of the prolific figure remain Haribahaktisara, Mohanatarangini, Narasimha Tava, Ramadhanya Charitra and Nala Charitra. The places in Karnataka celebrate the day in remembrance through various processions, performances, and cultural shows. Here are a few places where the celebrations are in full swing every year.

Bengaluru

The capital city of Karnataka, like the entire state, observes closure on this day. Many cultural places are decked out on this occasion, and various cultural programmes are organised in these institutions and public spaces. One can also see a few places that establish Kanaka’s idol, decorated with flowers. Educational institutes like schools and colleges also host activities for the day to celebrate the great works of Kanaka Dasa.

Mysuru

Mysuru is popular for hosting multiple colourful processions in the city. Usually organised by the District Administration, the processions see thousands of people from different parts of the city participating. The Kote Anjaneyaswamy Temple at the Palace North Gate is the prime spot for the processions. The processions also host folk and cultural troupes, some of which include Nandi Dhwaja, Puja Kunita, NaviluKunita, HuliveshaKunita, Kodava Women Dance, KoluKunita, Kolata, GoravaKunita, KoliKunita, Yakshagana and more. The statues of Kanka Dasa are also placed in the processions. 

Udupi

Kanaka Dasa Jayanti is celebrated in Udupi and it is celebrated with great joy by offering prayers at the Sri Kanakadasa Mandira near the Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple on Car Street. There are a few specific folk performances that take place in the city like folk troupes performing dances like Gombe kunitha, Nandidwaja, and more. There are government officials who address people about the saint's life and his values. People also pay tribute by offering flowers to the portraits of the saint. A lot of organisations also conduct bhajans and musical concerts on this occasion.

Belgavi

Begalvi has its way of celebrating the Kanaka Das Jayanti. While the processions are common, you can also find students playing multiple musical instruments while women are seen carrying Kalsas that add beauty to the processions. There are also stage set-ups at some predecided spots of the processions for various cultural performances.

Mangaluru 

Like other cities, Mangaluru also celebrates the Jayanti with performances of Keerthanas (devotional songs) and songs carrying social messages by students and various institutions. Alongside floral tributes to the portrait of Kanakadasa, the Kannada Cultural Department and the Karavali Kuruba Sangha organise additional programmes for the public on this day. The decorations around the quaint city make it a delightful experience, showcasing its rich culture.