Hospet and the renowned Hampi World Heritage Site are gearing up for the upcoming three-day Hampi Utsav, scheduled to commence this Friday, with a substantial grant of 14 crore provided by the state government. Unfortunately, due to inadequate rainfall, adventure water sports won’t be conducted in Kamalapur Lake this time. However, an array of entertainment programs, competitions, and shows from previous years are set to unfold.
District Collector MS Diwakar, in a press conference at his office, highlighted the introduction of the ‘Hampi by Sky’ program, offering a unique perspective of Hampi from a helicopter, set to launch on Thursday morning. The festival, with a requested fund of 17.50 crore, received approval for 14 crore, with meticulous coordination to ensure optimal utilization.
To enhance accessibility, 80 buses will provide free continuous service from Hospet, and arrangements have been made to transport people from all 137 gram panchayats by buses. A bike rally, starting from the District Collector’s office to Hampi, is scheduled for Thursday morning, with over 50 city organizations participating.
The festival’s grand procession, Vasant Vibhava, will feature 70 to 100 special art troupes from various districts. The festivities will include a Temple Lakshmi palanquin procession with an elephant, adding a touch of devotion.
On February 2nd, an exhibition of the best bulls will kick off, along with a panel discussion on Hampi’s history and a poetry session. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the Hampi Utsav at 8 PM on Friday. The opening night will feature musical performances and a sheep show.
Various cultural programs, including dance performances by Golden Girls troupe, Rupaka dance by Vyjayanthi Kashi, and Rasamanjari by music director V. Harikrishna troupe, will be held. The closing ceremony on February 4th will include a folk channel procession and performances by film actors and actresses, concluding with Rasamanjari by Sadhu Kokila troupe.
Security measures will be stringent, with 2,000 police personnel deployed, and parking arrangements at 19 locations. MLA H.R. Gaviyappa has generously arranged meals for the public at the Krishna temple in Hampi during all three days of the festival, ensuring a delightful dining experience with rice, sambar, palya, and a sweet dish served between 12 noon and 7 pm.
