Bhakta Kanaka Das Jayanti as Andhra state festival on Nov 8

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced that Bhakta Kanaka Dasa Jayanti will be celebrated as an official State Festival beginning this year. The decision has been taken to honour the 16th-century saint and social reformer whose life and teachings have inspired generations across southern India.

It has been confirmed that the state-level celebration will be conducted at Kalyandurg in Anantapur district on the 8th of next month. The festival has been formally included in the Andhra Pradesh State Cultural Calendar for the first time, thereby granting it official recognition among the state’s annual cultural observances.

The announcement was made by Backward Classes Welfare Minister Sanjeevareddygari Savitha, who stated that the government had been giving priority to both cultural recognition and social upliftment. It was also stated that ₹60 crore has been released for improving infrastructure and facilities in BC hostels across the state. Gratitude was expressed to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for approving the allocation and for extending continued support to BC welfare and educational initiatives.“The Chief Minister’s vision for inclusive development and cultural respect has been reflected through this decision. Declaring Bhakta Kanaka Dasa Jayanti a State Festival is a tribute to his message of equality and devotion,” Minister Savitha said.

Life and Teachings of Bhakta Kanaka Dasa

Bhakta Kanaka Dasa (1509–1609) was born as Thimmappa Nayaka in Baada village near Bankapur in present-day Haveri district of Karnataka. He was known as a poet, philosopher, and devotee of Lord Krishna, and became one of the most influential figures of the Bhakti movement in South India.

His compositions in Kannada, including keertanas and ugabhogas , carried messages of spiritual devotion, equality, and moral integrity, and were intended to break social barriers. Through his writings, he emphasised that devotion and virtue were greater than caste or status.

Although he hailed from Karnataka, Kanaka Dasa’s spiritual influence extended to Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the Rayalaseema region. His songs and teachings have been preserved and practiced by several communities in Anantapur, Kurnool, and Chittoor districts, where his legacy continues to be celebrated.

Significance of the State Festival Declaration

The inclusion of Bhakta Kanaka Dasa Jayanti in the State Cultural Calendar is being viewed as part of the government’s broader efforts to promote social inclusiveness and cultural harmony. The decision is aimed at acknowledging the contributions of reformers who worked for equality and moral values beyond regional boundaries.

According to officials from the BC Welfare Department, this is the first time Kanaka Dasa Jayanti has been officially recognised as a State Festival in Andhra Pradesh. The festival had previously been celebrated at the local and community level, especially in Rayalaseema, but without formal state sponsorship.

Kalyandurg Chosen for the Inaugural Celebration

The first state-level celebration is scheduled to be held at Kalyandurg in Anantapur district, which has been identified as a suitable venue due to its strong cultural association with Bhakta Kanaka Dasa. The event is being organised jointly by the BC Welfare Department and the Department of Culture.

Cultural performances, devotional music programmes, and exhibitions on the saint’s life and teachings are planned as part of the celebrations. District officials have been instructed to ensure participation from students, community leaders, and cultural organisations so that Kanaka Dasa’s message of equality, devotion, and social unity is widely shared.

Broader Cultural Message

The declaration of Bhakta Kanaka Dasa Jayanti as a State Festival is being regarded as a symbolic step towards recognising shared heritage and honouring reformers who transcended linguistic and regional boundaries. Officials have stated that the initiative reflects the state’s continued commitment to cultural inclusion, social justice, and the welfare of backward classes.

Through this recognition, the government aims to reinforce the values that Kanaka Dasa preached devotion, humility, equality, and compassion which remain relevant to modern society.