A wealth of history and culture can be found in Hampi, the capital of once Vijayanagara, one of India’s most potent empires, which is tucked away in Karnataka along the banks of the Tungabhadra river. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is frequently referred to as the City of Ruins, since the Deccan sultanate’s army defeated Rama Raya, the monarch of the Vijayanagara empire, at the Battle of Talikota in 1565, leaving Hampi in the ruins it is today, which is breathtaking with its boulder-strewn landscapes, framed by magnificent palaces, finely carved temples, and ancient market streets.
As 2025 draws near, travellers have another reason to visit this historic town — the highly anticipated Hampi Festival, also referred to as Hampi Utsava and Vijaya Utsav, which is likely set for February 2, 2025. This yearly cultural spectacle, which is typically observed over three days, is a tribute to the Vijayanagara empire and is evocative of the glorious Vasantotsav that was observed during its heyday.
Here is a sneak peek of what you can look forward to during this grand event.
Jumbo safari
The jumbo safari is the festival’s most significant attraction, despite being the finale of the festival. In essence, it is a procession complete with adorned elephants, musicians, dancers, and men dressed as soldiers of the Vijayanagara empire, allowing the people to celebrate and to relive the great regal tradition of the empire.
Competitions
A range of competitions are organised as part of the Hampi Festival, including games like rock climbing, cycling, rangoli, drawing, and others, as well as sports like bullock cart racing, stone lifting, kabaddi, and wrestling. In addition, there are also contests for photography, mehandi, millet cooking, and other arts.
Cultural shows
The festival features a range of cultural shows including dance and music by well-known performers. The festival has previously featured performances by renowned artists like T. S. Satyavathi, Parmeshwar Hegde, Himesh Reshamiya, Mikka Singh, Richa Sharma, and others. The festival also features street performances, puppet shows, fireworks, traditional dance and drama, and Janapada Kalavahini, a segment that showcases Karnataka’s folk songs and dances accompanied by traditional instruments. These are considered to be the festival’s major highlights.
Scenes from the Hampi Festival
Exhibitions
The festival also features a range of exhibitions including those featuring traditional handicrafts, pottery, textiles, jewellery, stone sculptures, paintings, books, and art and crafts, where artists and craftspeople display their creations by putting up booths, exhibits, and showing off their abilities.
Aerial tours
During the festival, tourists can also enjoy the organised aerial tours. To see the expansive vistas of Hampi, you can pay to take an aerial tour in a helicopter or a hot air balloon.
Light and sound show
The light and sound show, which spans across 15km and includes the Tungabhadra river, is another of the festival’s main attractions, with all of it coming to life in a variety of colours, looking absolutely spectacular.
Food courts
The greatest Karnataka and other regional cuisines are served in the food stalls that are set up during the Hampi Festival, providing the visitors with an unique and enlightening gastronomic experience.
Shopping
Visitors can also purchase handicrafts and handlooms at the festival such as rosewood elephant statues, terracotta wall hangings, bidriware, embroidery work, mysore silk sarees, among other things.
The Hampi Festival is hosted by the Karnataka state government with the intention of promoting and honouring the rich cultural legacy of the city. The Virupaksha temple and its surroundings are typically the main locations for the celebrations and there is no entry fee to the festival, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
How to reach Hampi?
Hampi is 350km away from Bengaluru and is accessible by air, train, and road.
Hubli airport is the closest airport. There are regular flights available from Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. Taxis are readily available as well from the airport to get to the location.
If you want to take the rail to Hampi, the nearest train station is Hospet, which is 15km away.
There are several buses available from Bengaluru to Hampi also, if travelling by road, as it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Karnataka.
