Pics: he closing event of Hampi Utsav-2026 was attended by Hosapete MLA HR Gaviyappa, MLA Latha Mallikarjun MP, deputy commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri, SP Jahnavi S, and other officials at the MP Prakash Vedike in Hampi on Sunday evening.On the concluding night, Kannada film star Dolly Dhananjay and his co-artistes entertained the audience with a dance performance set to popular Kannada movie songs at the MP Prakash Vedike in Hampi.The audience at Hampi Utsav was enthralled by the dance and song performances from various troupes on Sunday evening.Hampi (Vijayanagara): The concluding day of the 3-day Hampi Utsav witnessed a vibrant blend of heritage, music and folk traditions as thousands of visitors thronged the UNESCO World Heritage site to take part in the grand finale celebrations on Sunday evening.The day began with a series of cultural and traditional programmes across various venues in Hampi, drawing early morning crowds. Folk performances, tribal dance presentations and other traditional art forms kept audiences engaged through the afternoon.Craft exhibitions and food stalls offering regional flavours continued to witness steady footfall, adding colour and energy to the festive atmosphere.Major stages, including MP Prakash Vedike and Sri Krishnadevaraya Vedike, hosted music and dance performances by noted artistes. The programmes reflected a blend of classical, folk and contemporary genres, drawing enthusiastic applause from spectators.As evening approached, large crowds gathered in anticipation of the headline performances and the closing ceremony. The illuminated monuments provided a dramatic backdrop to the cultural presentations, while authorities intensified security and traffic arrangements to manage the heavy influx of visitors.MLA Latha Mallikarjun said the Utsav has become a true public festival, fulfilling the vision of her late father MP Prakash, who wished to revive the glory of the Vijayanagara Empire in Hampi on the lines of Mysuru Dasara. “The enthusiasm of the people is echoing from these rocks today and my father’s dream has grown into a grand reality,” she said emotionally.Hosapete MLA HR Gaviyappa, delivering the concluding address, praised the district administration for its relentless efforts in making the Utsav a grand success. Deputy commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri, SP Jahnavi S, and other district-level officials were present during the ceremony.The evening cultural celebrations began with Sandalwood actor Dolly Dhananjay performing the popular ‘Badava Rascal’ song along with fellow artistes. Addressing the gathering, he said it was a pleasure to celebrate Shivaratri in Hampi. Several more entertainment events are scheduled to continue well past midnight, with the entire Hampi illuminated and alive with people and performances, marking a memorable Maha Shivaratri celebration.
