Basava Jayanthi is the most important festival of the Lingayats

Lingayatism

Lingayatism, also known as Veerashaivism, is a distinct Shaivite denomination in India. It makes several departures from mainstream Hinduism and propounds monotheism through worship centered on Lord Shiva. It also rejects the authority of the Vedas and the caste system. The adherents of this faith...

. It marks the birthday of Basavanna, the founding saint of the Lingayat faith. It is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety all over Karnataka

Karnataka

Karnataka , the land of the Kannadigas, is a state in South West India. It was created on 1 November 1956, with the passing of the States Reorganisation Act and this day is annually celebrated as Karnataka Rajyotsava...

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Basavanna lived in 12th century. He has written many vachanas. Below are few of them.

Kalabeda, kola beda, husiya nidiyalu beda
Muniya beda, anyarige asahya padabeda
Thanna bannisabeda, idira aliyalu beda
Ide antaranga shuddhi, ide bahiranga shuddhi
Ide namma koodala sangananolisuva pari.

Translation in English:

Don't rob, Don't kill, Never ever lie
Don't get angry, Don't think negative about others
Don't self describe, Don't tease others
This is the way of self respect, this is the way to get respected by the world.
This is the way of impressing my lord Koodala sangam deva.

Ullavaru shivalayava maaduvaru nanenu madali badavanayya
enna kale kamba dehave degula shirave honna kalasavayya
koodala sangamadeva kelayya sthavarkkalivuntu jangakkalivilla

Translation in English:

The rich will make temples for Shiva. What shall I, a poor man, do?
My legs are pillars, The body the shrine, The head a cupola of gold.
Listen, O lord Kudal Sangama deva, things standing shall fall, but the moving ever shall stay.