Hampi: Chief minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Hampi Utsav will henceforth be held on Nov 2, 3 and 4 each year, beginning this year. The announcement was made after inaugurating Hampi Utsav-2026 at the MP Prakash Vedike.He recalled the suggestion made by former minister MP Prakash, who played a key role in initiating the Hampi Utsav, to hold the festival in Nov. He also accepted the proposal put forward by minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan that as Feb is closer to examination time for students, Nov would be more appropriate for celebrations. Siddaramaiah said the new schedule would be implemented from this year itself.
He appreciated the efforts of district minister Zameer Ahmed Khan for the smooth organisation of the festival. Siddaramaiah said that social inequality persists and that his govt has introduced pro-people programmes to help the poor join mainstream. He described the guarantee schemes as steps toward economic and social equality, adding that true progress can be achieved only when economic freedom accompanies political freedom, echoing the ideals of Basavanna and Dr BR Ambedkar.Several ministers, MLAs, MPs, officials, artists and cultural troupes participated in the programme.Earlier, a minor fire broke out in front of the stage due to firecrackers bursting during the chief minister’s arrival. Fire personnel quickly extinguished the flames, and the programme continued without further disruption.
