Hampi Utsav 2024: The Legacy Of Vijaya Empire

Have you heard about the most well-known festival celebrated in Karnataka? Yes, many of them might have guessed, Hampi is the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site and an international tourist spot situated in central Karnataka where people celebrate the Hampi Utsav to recreate the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire. This festival is also referred to as the Vijaya Utsav because it has been celebrated since the Vijayanagara Empire.

Many people believe that this Hampi Karnataka festival is one of the oldest in the world, celebrated annually and attracting crowds from all corners of the globe. So, that was a slight insight into the Hampi festival. Now let’s look into the detailed information about the famous Hampi Utsav. 

• Hampi festival 2024: 3rd February to 5th February 
• Venue: Gayatri Peetha, Virupaksha Temple, and Eduru Basavanna Temple in Hampi Karnataka 

Hampi Festival of Karnataka

Hampi festival is one of the ancientest and the most extraordinary festivals celebrated in Karnataka. It is a three-day festival which lights up the whole Vijayanagri region. In 2024, the festival will be celebrated from 3rd February to 5th February, and the inauguration of Hampi Utsav will be done by Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of Karnataka. 

Moreover, this festival is especially hosted by the Government of Karnataka. The Hampi festival is celebrated in Karnataka to showcase the rich heritage of the region. People from all over the world come to witness the cultural programmes and the exhibitions. At the Hampi monument, where this festival is commemorated, visitors are fascinated by the various stories that are displayed. 

Also Read: Amalaki Ekadashi 2024: Importance of Worshipping Amla Tree

Where is Hampi Located? 

The Hampi or Hampe describes the huge group of monuments situated in the district of Karnataka, Hampi. Hampi is known as the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is situated in the City of Hampi in Vijayanagara District, east-central Karnataka, India. This place is mainly famous for the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, where the idol of Lord Shiva is placed for deities to worship. As Lord Shiva is known as the Lord of Planets, it’s believed that visiting this temple can align your planets and offer some astrological healing properties. 

Moreover, the Hampi Utsav is celebrated in the Hampi district of Karnataka because it’s believed that this place is the most prosperous, wealthy and grand city situated near the Tungabhadra River. This place is renowned for its rich religious and cultural heritage, where various temples and monuments have been encountered. Also, this temple was built according to the Vastu Shastra because the person Lakkan Dandesha, who had great initiative in building the temple, believed in the system of Vastu. 

Cultural Activities Held in Hampi Festival

Here are some of the most famous activities that make the visitors mesmerised. This cultural show brings back the cultural legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire, where people gather to witness it. If you’re wondering what’s so special about this festival, you have to scroll down. 

1. Jumbo Safari and Procession

This is one of the most important and captivating activities to glimpse where the elephant parade is held to mark the legacy of Hampi. All the visitors and local people gather to be part of the parade, where even the elephants are adorned with colourful clothes. Many people are seen wearing some unique outfits while being part of the parade. 

2. Raja Marg

Raja Marg is one of the most important places you must have to visit if you are a part of the Hampi Utsav. The Hampi Festival takes place at the Virupaksha Temple, which is considered the holy place for the Vijayanagara Empire. This temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva, and during the festival, the road leading towards the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, which look charming at night. 

3. Janapada Kalavahini

The Hampi Dance festival, which is known as the Janapada Kalavahini, is where various cultural dances and traditional folk songs are performed. All the local people of Karnataka (Kannadigas) showcase the customs of karnataka by singing customary songs using traditional instruments such as pipes and flutes. 

4. Exhibition and Sports

During the festival, various exhibitions are carried out by the local people where traditional things are displayed, such as handmade bags, paintings, arts and crafts, flowers and many other things. Moreover, interesting sports are played where you can enjoy interesting sports such as Malakamb, Stone Lifting, Kabbadi, Power Lifting, Tug of War, etc. 

5. Shopping

If you are someone who is fascinated by handmade works, then the Hampi festival is the best place for you to shop. You will come across various items such as Stone artefacts, Lambani / Local crafts, Musical instruments, picture postcard books, etc. Besides that, you must try the traditional foods of Karnataka in Hampi Utsav, such as badane kaayi, anna, saaru (a soup), kosambari, kempu chutney, mosarubajji, happala, benne tuppa, etc

6. Fire Shows

Fire shows are one of the most stunning activities that take place during the Hampi Utsav. Visitors can witness the magical fireworks that light up the sky of Vijayanagara for all three days of the festival. The fire shows are a must-see attraction for those who love fireworks displays. 

7. Witness Matanga Hill Views

People who love sunsets can climb up the Matanga Hills to enjoy the view from above. It will witness the entire view of the Hampi festival from above. 

Also Read: Sakat Chauth 2024: The Divine Blessings of Lord Ganesha

I’m Sonali Prasad, a content writer at InstaAstro. If you found this blog helpful, then please do reach out to our astrology experts by clicking here.

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