Hosapete (Vijayanagara): The 3-day ‘Hampi Utsav-2026′ will be held from Feb 13 to 15 at Hampi, the historic capital of the Vijayanagara empire, district minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan announced on Wednesday.Addressing a press conference in Hosapete, the minister outlined the preparations and special attractions planned for this year’s cultural extravaganza. Chief minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the festival on Feb 13, and will stay in Hampi on the opening day before leaving the next day to attend a programme in Haveri.
The festival will be conducted across 6 grand stages set up at various locations in Hampi. The main stage, named MP Prakash Vedike, has a seating capacity of 50,000. Other venues include the Krishnadevaraya Vedike and the Virupaksha stage, along with 3 additional stages to host a variety of cultural programmes.This year, several prominent Sandalwood actors including Shivarajkumar, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, Ganesh, Rakshit Shetty, Rachita Ram, Dolly Dhananjay and Bigg Boss winner Gilli are expected to participate in the celebrations. To enhance the festive atmosphere, special lighting arrangements have been made in and around the Hampi town. A dedicated light and sound show narrating the history of Hakka and Bukka—founders of Vijayanagara Empire—is the highlight of the event.Elaborate security arrangements are put in place. Around 2,000 police personnel are deployed, including SP, 8 additional SPs, 15 DSPs and 61 inspectors, to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. Free food and snacks have been arranged by the govt near Krishna Temple. A budget of approximately Rs 14 to 15 crore was allocated for the festival.Officials expect a turnout of 8 to 10 lakh people, surpassing last year’s attendance. To manage the crowd effectively, an additional 15,000 seats were reserved, the minister said.DC Kavita S Mannikeri, SP S Jahnavi, ZP CEO Nongjai Mohammed Ali Akram Shah, and other officers were present.
