Pic: Rajyotsava celebrations in Belagavi at Rani Channamma at Channamma Circle in Belagavi on Saturday, where a large number of Kannadigas had gatheredBelagavi: The grand Kannada Rajyotsava procession commenced in Belagavi amid drizzling rain. District minister Satish Jarkiholi inaugurated the procession, wherein numerous tableaux from various govt departments and organisations participated. Lakhs of youths from Belagavi and other parts of the state were seen dancing to the tunes of various Kannada songs.In the morning, district minister Satish Jarkiholi inaugurated the festival by garlanding the statue of Rani Channamma. Rani Channamma, Rani Abbakka Devi, Immadi Pulakeshi, Sangolli Rayanna, the stone chariot of Hampi, the temple of Halasi, a scene from the movie Kantara, and diverse stills also attracted attention of onlookers.The Rajyotsava festivities in Belagavi city commenced on Friday midnight. This time too, the Kannadigas from the border gathered for the festival at night. The activists of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) and other Kannada organisations had gathered. Kannadigas who gathered after 10pm on Friday celebrated the festival like never before. The entire circle was filled with thousands of people. As a result, traffic in all four directions of the circle was completely blocked.Rajyotsava celebrations, which began late on Friday night, continued throughout the day on Saturday. Chants echoed at Rani Channamma Circle. Kannada flags could be seen flying as far as the eye could see. Kannada slogans were heard everywhere. Many people came dressed in red and yellow clothes. The youth celebrated by wearing shawls, and young women painted the Kannada flag on their cheeks.Rani Channamma Circle, Sangolli Rayanna Circle, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Circle, and College Road connecting these three were packed with people.
