Preparations are underway for the Hampi Festival, scheduled to be held from February 13 to 15. Around 5 to 6 lakh visitors are expected to attend the three-day event. A grant of ₹24.60 crore has been requested for the festival, said Deputy Commissioner Kavita S. Mannikeri.
Addressing the media at her office on Monday, she said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the festival on the evening of February 13. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar will also attend, while Tourism Minister H.K. Patil will be present at the closing ceremony. District in-charge Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan and Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Thangadgi are also scheduled to participate.
‘Hampi by Sky’ rates fixed: The helicopter service offering aerial views of the World Heritage site will be priced at ₹3,500. A concessional rate of ₹3,000 will apply between 9 am and 11 am. Two helicopters will operate, with services starting from February 12 morning.
This year, sound and light programmes will be organised at five locations, including the Anelay area. The main stage will be named after M.P. Prakash. Other stages have been renamed as Sri Krishnadevaraya Stage, Vidyaranya Stage (at Mahanavami Dibba), and Hakka Bukka Stage (Anelay), along with their earlier names.
Parking arrangements have been made on over 20 acres of agricultural land, ensuring smooth vehicle movement. Most vehicles will be allowed near the main stage, while one-way traffic will be enforced from Kaddirampura during the festival.
With celebrity programmes scheduled at all three stages near Basavanna and Virupaksha temples and the main venue, visitors will have more options to attend different events. Large-scale decorative lighting has also been installed, attracting more tourists.
Free bus services: Unlike previous years, free bus services from taluks will be available on all three days of the festival.
The DC appealed to the public not to steal electric lights, stating that such acts would affect the smooth conduct of the programme.
SP S. Jahnavi, Zilla Panchayat CEO Nongjoy Mohammad Ali Akram Shah, and Assistant Director of the Kannada and Culture Department Siddalingesh Rangannavar were present.
Drone show and security: A drone show involving 1,000 drones will be held near the main stage, M.P. Prakash Vedike. One acre of land has been reserved for setting up the equipment.
For safety, a ‘Women’s Island’ and quick-response facilities will be established. Ten observation towers and 250 CCTV cameras will be installed, with monitoring through a command centre. Security will be handled by over 1,500 police personnel and 800 Home Guards, said SP S. Jahnavi.