Hampi Festival

Hampi Festival or Hampi Utsav is also popular as Vijaya Utsav and has been very old for Vijayanagar reign. It is beautifully organized by the Government of Karnataka on a large scale, and its main draw includes traditional Kannadigas dance, drama, fireworks, puppet shows, spectacular parades, and musical instruments like drums and pipes are played to renew the brilliance of yesteryear. It is a cultural event of UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hampi, presenting elephants, as well as local lads and horses wearing spectacular outfits pointing out military fashion of the Golden Era. All are placed below the red, yellow, blue and white cloth Gopuras along the lanes of Hampi village. Besides, pay a special visit to the adjoining Virupaaksha temple, earlier known as the Raja Marga, is situated at the distance of two kms, and is also tastefully bedecked thought the festive time like the Vijayanagar theme. Nevertheless, collect some fond memories of the performances by classical Indian dancers and carnatic vocalists in several avenues.

History of the Hampi Utsav
The marvelous festival celebrated in Hampi, Karnataka is a cultural extravaganza. Since the Vijayanagar reign, the festival has been a part of the life of Hampi’s locals. With a colorful and lively ambiance, the festival is conducive to an overflow of happiness and joy. The festival is celebrated in the ruins of the ancient city of Hampi. The region relives the past of the Vijayanagar Empire and its ancient and medieval grandeur during these three days of celebration.

Hampi is nestled at the banks of Tungabhadra River. It is 373 km from the Silicon Valley of India, the technological hub Bangalore. Hampi served as the capital for the Vijayanagar Empire, which was the 14th century’s most prosperous empire in the subcontinent. The empire was a center of traditions, culture, as well as commerce and trade. The empire was brought to its zenith by Krishnadeva Raya, Tuluva Dynasty’s famous ruler. With Beijing in China being the largest city during the medieval era, Hampi followed it as a close second.

Celebrations during Hampi Utsav
The festivities take place at the renowned Virupaksha Temple each year in commemoration of the traditions and culture of a bygone era. The intricately carved ruins of Hampi serve as the backdrop for the festivities. Dance performances and folk songs are used to showcase the rich culture of the region. A unique attraction you must not miss during the celebrations is the Janapada Kalavahini. This is a concert of folk songs and is highly entertaining.

In the present times, the Karnataka government organizes the Hampi Utsav in order to attract tourists to this world heritage site. The festival does justice to the magnificence of the region. In order to recreate celebrations that justify the grandeur of the bygone era, many events like processions, drama, music and dance are organized. Traditional craftsmen display leather puppets and vibrant handicrafts similar to what was made during the past. Throughout the festival, you can enjoy musical instruments like drums and pipes being played. The streets are lined with decorated elephants and horses alongside men dressed and standing under the white, green, blue and red cloth known as ‘Gopuras.’ They showcase the Golden Era military fashion. Different venues are brought to life with artists, dancers and vocalists entertaining the guests and tourists. The festival also presents a great shopping experience especially for the women. A light and sound show alongside the elephant march known as the ‘Jumbo Savari’ is a delight to watch.