Karnataka in India is a land of colour, and the Hampi festival is one of the most exciting times of the year for the people of the city.
The place is attracts tourists from across the globe when the festival kicks in. This is basically a group of festivals and the dates of these festivals are announced every year. It is also known as the Vijaya Utsav and has been celebrated since the times of the Vijayanagar Empire.
The Origin
The event has also been named the Nada Utsav by the Karnataka Government. Hampi is a place known for its rich cultural value and is hence a world heritage site. This makes it highly popular with tourists from all parts of the world. One can learn more about the dances, the food and handicrafts, art and the history of the country.
The grand scale, on which the festival is held, attracts artisans from different genres to come together and display their talent. There are folk songs and dances and traditionally crafted works of art are also displayed here. It is like a huge cultural extravaganza where people can get entertained while learning about the place.
The Cultural Extravaganza
The Golden era is reminisced in a magnificent way. Human beings as well as elephants and horses are decorated with ornaments and they stand like soldiers under the traditional blue, white, red, yellow clothes, known as the Gopuras. The path leading up to the famous Virupaksha Temple is decorated in the traditional Vijayanagar theme. Gold pieces and diamonds are used to recreate the old world charm of an era when these precious gems were actually bartered instead of money.
The Music and Dance
The entertainment quotient is pretty high with classical vocalists and dancers. The artists who are critically acclaimed by people across the world, entertain the audience with spectacular performances.
The Light and Sound Show
There is a famous light and sound show event in this festival, wherein spectacular lighting arrangements are done to lighten up an area of around 15 km on the banks of the Tungabhadra. Besides folk artists, famous singers from different genres also grace the occasion and there are special performances.
The Jumbo Sawari (Ride)
This is another event. It is similar to the famous Dasara elephant march held in Hospet town. Besides this, there are many colourful events and attractions such as rides, food stalls, games, and photography/painting competitions, flower shows and so on.
