Basava Jayanti

It is a Hindu festival which is being celebrated by Lingayat majority in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to mark the birthday of Lord Basavanna. It is observed as a state holiday in all these states.  Lord Basavanna was the founder of Lingayatism and his birthday is pondered on the commencement of a new age, which is called Basavanna era or Basaveshwar era. According to the Hindu Calendar, the birthday of Lord Basaveshwar usually falls on the 3rd day of the Vaisakha month. This year it falls on 14th May 2021.

Background of Basavanna

Basavanna was a great poet, social reformer and philosopher. Through poetry, he started spreading social wakefulness. Gender or social prejudice was rejected and Ishtalinga necklace was introduced by him. Being the chief minister of Bijjal’s kingdom, Basavanna commenced Anubhava Mantapa, which later became the common center for all classes of people to discuss spiritual issues of life openly. The literacy works of Basaveshwar consist Vachana Sahitya.

How the celebrations of Basava Jayanti take place?

It is declared as a state holiday in Karnataka. Because in Karnataka it has a huge number of followers of Basavanna. In Karnataka, people from all cities and villages celebrate in a grand manner. On the day, people visit the temples of Lord Basaveshwar to submit prayers. It is an important day, especially for farmers. Lingayat committees organize various events and it is the common practice in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. People exchange sweets and greetings on Basava Jayanti. Lectures will be held to remember the teachings of Basavanna. Many people prefer visiting Kudalasangama, which celebrates Basav Jayanti for 6-7 days and conducts several cultural and spiritual programs.