In Hospet (Vijaynagar), District Collector MS Diwakar expressed the determination to revive the city’s past glory during the upcoming Hampi Utsav. He stated that this year’s festivities aim to feature top-notch programs. At a preparatory meeting attended by MLAs HR Gaviyappa and MP Latha Mallikarjuna, Diwakar outlined plans for the four-day event, encompassing rural sports, classical performances, and historical presentations on Hampi.
Rural sports, including shooting competitions, wrestling, and bullock cart pulling, will take center stage. The Bayalata artists, acclaimed even in Ayodhya, will showcase their talents at Hampi Utsav. The lineup also promises diverse entertainment, featuring bull shows, sheep shows, dog shows, and a kite festival. Diwakar highlighted recurring events like photo and cooking competitions.
Scheduled for inauguration on February 2 at 5:30 pm, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will officially kick off Hampi Utsav. The main stage near the Gayatri Mandap will host key events, with additional stages at Basavanna Mandapam, Virupaksha Temple, and Sasive Kalu Ganesha.
Virupaksha mentioned planned activities, including a seminar on Hampi’s history on the first day, women’s poetry recital on the second day, and children’s poetry recital on the third day. To facilitate attendance, free buses will run from Hospet to Hampi, and more buses will be arranged from taluk centers and surrounding districts.
MLA Lata suggested aligning the festival with MP Prakash’s desire, holding Hampi Utsav in the first week of November from the next year onwards. Present at the meeting were District Panchayat CEO Sadashiva Prabhu B., Additional District Collector Anuradha G., Additional Superintendent of Police Salim Pasha, and Sub-Divisional Officer Mohammad Ali Akram Shah.
In an attempt to offer a unique experience, helicopter tours will provide aerial views of Hampi’s monuments. Recognizing past hesitations due to costs, organizers plan to encourage early participation this year. The renowned sound and light show will run for a week, accompanied by a captivating spring show featuring elephants and horses.
