After celebrating Sri Krishna Janmashtami for the first time a few days ago, the State government has decided to add one more jayanti to its list of celebrations – Vishwakarma Jayanti.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has been advocating the welfare of backward classes, said the government will organise Vishwakarma Jayanti from next year.
However, he ruled out declaring it a government holiday. “What benefit will the community get by declaring a holiday?” he asked. The Vishwakarma community has a population of 35 lakh in the State.
Addressing the 7th State-level conference of the Vishwakarma community at the National College Grounds in the city on Sunday, Mr. Siddaramaiah said celebrating Vishwakarma Jayanti will help the community remain united. More funds would be devoted to the welfare of the community in the next State budget, he promised.
On the occasion, the Vishwakarma Award was conferred on legendary cricketer Kapil Dev and Kannada writer S.L. Bhyrappa.
The Sri Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at the State Secretariat this year, was apparently, a promise the Chief Minister made to the Yadava (Golla) community leaders sometime ago.
To gain political mileage, the government during the tenure of the former Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, began celebrating Valmiki and Kanakadasa Jayanti by declaring holidays.
Other prominent jayantis celebrated in the State are Basava Jayanti, Ambedkar Jayanti and Gandhi Jayanti.
