Basava Jayanthi

Basava Jayanthi is a holiday traditionally observed by the Lingayats in the Indian state of Karnataka. It marks the birthday of Basavanna, a 12th-century poet-philosopher, and the founding saint of the Lingayat sect. It is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety all over south India, primarily in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.[1]

Overview

Lord Basavanna was a 12th-century poet-philosopher who is the founding saint of the Lingayat faith. The holiday Basava Jayanti marks the anniversary of his birth. The festival is most-often observed by the Lingayat communities of Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

To celebrate Basava Jayanti, locals get together to remember and honor Lord Basavanna and recite his teachings and vachanas.

During the festival, those celebrating express the message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means universal brotherhood. The sentiments express a renewed way of looking at God, life, and community.

Lord Basavanna believed in a society that was free of the caste system, giving all people equal opportunities in life. As part of this mission, Basavanna created Anubhava Mantapa, an academy that included mystics, saints, and philosophers from the Lingayata faith.[2]

Basavanna was born on third day of the month of Vaisakha month of the Anandanama (Samvatsara) (1134 CE). Since a new era began with the birth of the philosopher Basavanna, Lingayats and observant Hindus have adored that year as 'Basava Era' (Kan:ಬಸವ ಶಕೆ) [date of birth is 30 March 1134]. All Panchangam, traditional Hindu calendars, use the Basava Era defined as from Basavanna's birth onwards in 2012. Basava Shake is 879.

The government of Karnataka declares a government holiday on Basava Jayanthi. While it is a Hindu festival to mark the birth of Lord Basaveshwara, the holiday is widely celebrated across all castes and creeds. The objective of the festival is to pass the message of ancient wisdom known as "vasudhaiva kutumbakam" (universal brotherhood).

References
  1. "Basava Jayanti celebrated". The Hindu, Bangalore. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2013.
  2. Shiksha, Shruti (26 April 2020). "Basava Jayanti 2020: Know the significance of the day and how is it celebrated". Zee Media Bureau.


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