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Embrace the festivities by taking part in the largest festival at Hampi, the Hampi Utsav. The Vijaya Utsav, more commonly known as the Hampi Utsav, is held during the first week of November, for 3 days. The celebrations are usually packed with a grand finale pomp procession, fireworks, dance puppet shows, and music shows. The festival is a celebration of the cultural richness of the region. Recently, a lot of adventure sports have been included in the schedule like rural sports, water sports, and rock climbing. Entry is free and the state sponsors all programs. An otherwise low profile town, the festival makes it a center of attraction for thousands of tourists who visit every year to experience the festivities. Though you may have some trouble while visiting during the Hampi Utsav, say packed trains & buses, overcrowded tourist hotspots, overbooked lodges & hotels, etc., the energy of the people and the spark in the air will surely make it worth your while.
Embrace the festivities by taking part in the largest festival at Hampi, the Hampi Utsav. The Vijaya Utsav, more commonly known as the Hampi Utsav, is held during the first week of November, for 3 days. The celebrations are usually packed with a grand finale pomp procession, fireworks, dance puppet shows, and music shows. The festival is a celebration of the cultural richness of the region. Recently, a lot of adventure sports have been included in the schedule like rural sports, water sports, and rock climbing. Entry is free and the state sponsors all programs. An otherwise low profile town, the festival makes it a center of attraction for thousands of tourists who visit every year to experience the festivities. Though you may have some trouble while visiting during the Hampi Utsav, say packed trains & buses, overcrowded tourist hotspots, overbooked lodges & hotels, etc., the energy of the people and the spark in the air will surely make it worth your while.
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.
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.
Hampi witnesses numerous festivals throughout the year due to its culturally rich history. Yet, the Hampi Utsav is the grandest and biggest of all the festivals celebrated in the region. Although the exact dates of the festival are not set, it has been celebrated in November since the Vijayanagar reign. Also, the festivities also incorporate various elements in remembrance of the grandeur of the empire and its reign.
Informally known as the Jumbo Savari, an elephant procession marks the finale of the festivities. It is carried out in remembrance of the grandeur of the empire and its rule. People fly in and gather in large numbers to witness this procession. The same often causes overcrowding in the small city of Hampi. The parade includes men on foot as well as horsebacks, dressed as the soldiers of medieval times. The people have kept the former grandeur alive in their hearts. They relive it in the form of festivities and celebrations. The march is a product of the same.
Folk songs are an essential element of the Hampi Utsav that cannot be missed. Performers display great enthusiasm while entertaining guests and tourists. The folk song concert is more popularly known as the Janapada Kalavahini. The songs are sung in the local language. Flutes and pipes are the traditional instruments played. Another essential ingredient of the festivities is the traditional folk dances of Karnataka.
Various locations witness puppet shows. These are a major form of entertainment for the guests. The children especially enjoy these a lot. This art form is rarely found at other places in India. During the festivities, fireworks light up the sky providing an extremely vibrant view overhead. Another major attraction during the festivities is the light and sound show. It takes place in the ruins of Hampi, taking the audience back in time to the golden days of the empire.
The guardian shrine of the Vijayanagar Empire is at the Virupaksha Temple. The temple is dedicated to a form of Lord Shiva known as Lord Virupaksha. The temple was enlarged during the empire’s reign, though it had existed for a long time. Vijayanagara kings were the patrons of this shrine. The road leading to the temple was hence named as the ‘Raja Marg.’ During the Hampi Utsav, the road is adorned with lights and decorations as if in the welcome of a king.
The government of Karnataka organizes the Hampi festival. The aim is to increase tourism and revenue in the state as well as relive the grandeur of the rich cultural history. In order to utilize the commercialization and entertaining benefit of the Hampi Utsav to the fullest and benefit the state on both the commercial and cultural fronts, the government keeps on introducing new and exciting events to the festival. Recently, some rural native games, rock climbing and water sports have found a place in the festivities of the Hampi Utsav.
Apart from enjoying the various performances, you may also indulge in shopping during the festivities. Local craftsmen display traditional handicrafts. The ones ranging back to the Vijayanagar Empire especially are a hit among tourists. You can also explore the local food of Karnataka. The street food is absolutely delightful. Enjoy some delicacies while you immerse yourself in the festivities and collect souvenirs.
Hampi is usually visited by tourists as a World Heritage Site. People from all over India and the world, especially history buffs and archaeologists visit it every year. The Hosapete Junction Railway Station is the closest train station to Hampi. It is about 13km from Hampi and functions as a gateway to this medieval wonder. Buses run regularly between Hospet and Hampi. Hubli Airport is the nearest for those who wish to take a flight. The airport is approximately 180km from Hampi. Taxi, as well as bus services, are available between Hubali and Hampi.
A famous 16th-century temple, the Vittala displays incredible art that gives the visitors a glimpse of the Vijayanagar Empire. The pinnacle of art dating back to the Vijayanagara era is visible in the ornate stone chariot that stands in the temple courtyard and the musical pillars. You will be able to admire the exquisite and unmatched craftsmanship. The splendid architecture is sure to impress you too.
It attracts plenty of tourists from all over the world and is believed to be the main location for the Hampi Art Festival. It stands to the East of the famous Hampi bazaar. Till date, the statue is admired for its ornate carvings and massive size.
Set amid the remnants of Hampi, the Hampi Utsav is an attempt to revisit the past and relive the grandeur of the empire that once ruled this region. It is a reminder to the people that this supreme empire once ruled in India and its opulence remains unmatched. The processions and performances are a realization that history can seldom be forgotten easily. The past holds a significance which shall stay alive in people’s hearts. The Hampi festival is a celebration of love, joy, prosperity and a magnificent past manifested in its brightest forms. We hope you’d really enjoy visiting and experiencing its splendor.
say packed trains & buses, overcrowded tourist hotspots, overbooked lodges & hotels, etc., the energy of the people and the spark in the air will surely make it worth your while.
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April 15, 2024 
