The historic Hampi Utsav, held over three days from February 28 to March 2, concluded with grandeur and fervor, celebrating the rich heritage of the Vijayanagara Empire. The festival, organized by the Vijayanagar district administration, successfully transformed into a true public spectacle, drawing lakhs of visitors despite the sweltering heat.
The district administration, under the leadership of Vijayanagar MLA H.R. Gaviyappa, began preparations as early as January to ensure the seamless execution of the festival. Over 20 dedicated committees were formed under the guidance of the district-in-charge minister, MLA, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, and other district officials. These committees oversaw various aspects of the festival, including reception, hospitality, artist selection, transportation, accommodation, food, publicity, media coordination, finance, stage management, sanitation, health services, and law enforcement.
Serving food during Hampi Utsav was a significant part of the festival, with approximately 20,000 people partaking in meals each day. The Honorable MLA of Vijayanagar Constituency, H. R. Gaviappa, paid a gracious visit to the food distribution site near the sacred Sri Krishna Temple in Hampi, where a heartfelt initiative was undertaken on behalf of his family to serve devotees and visitors attending the grand event. With deep compassion and a spirit of service, he warmly invited all festival-goers to partake in this noble offering, embracing the essence of unity, tradition, and shared joy.
Other festival highlights included agricultural exhibitions, fruit and flower displays, sports events, symposiums, poetry gatherings, and cultural programs such as Tungarathi and Vasantha Vaibhav. Unique competitions, including ox, sheep, and dog contests, added a traditional charm to the celebrations. Additionally, the festival featured the breathtaking Hampi by sky, which showcased an aerial view of Hampi’s magnificence, and a well-planned fire safety system was in place to ensure security.
The festival not only paid tribute to the legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire but also provided an enriching experience for visitors with its vibrant cultural performances, historical exhibitions, and immersive activities. With meticulous planning, dedicated efforts, and an overwhelming public response, Hampi Utsav 2025 reaffirmed its status as one of Karnataka’s most celebrated heritage festivals.