Pending formal inauguration, Hampi Utsav, a three day mega-festival got off with a bang at Hampi, the erstwhile seat of Vijayanagar empire, on Friday.
The cultural extravaganza of dance, drama, art and music, will be formally inaugurated by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the evening.
Hampi-by-sky, a colourful flower show, kite flying, rural sports were among prominent attractions of this year’s Hampi Utsav, were inaugurated by P.T. Parmeshwar Naik, Minister of State for Labour and district in-charge. Hampi-by-sky, which was a major hit during the previous year’s utsav, was reintroduced this year too in view of the huge demand.
People, who wanted to catch a glimpse of the ancient monuments and natural landscape at the historically and culturally rich Hampi, booked their tickets in advance. Serpentine queue formed in front of the counters to get the tickets on-the-spot.
“It was a thrilling experience to view Hampi from the sky”, Reshma, Sumalatha and their friends, who enjoyed the chopper ride for the first time, said.
The ‘stone chariot’ prepared using nine variety of flowers, mostly different coloured roses, was another attraction at the flower show organised for the first time during the cultural festival. Apart from that renowned litterateurs and ‘Jnanapeeth’ awardees carved on water melons and other vegetables, were also on display.
“We appreciate the attempt of providing an opportunity to the local artistes to exhibit their talents and also given an opportunity to people to enjoy”, Sujata, a teacher, said.
Kites of various shapes and sizes flooded the sky which attracted a large number of people. Professional kite flyers from Varodra, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bidar were invited by the organisers. This event would be held on all the three days.
Kabaddi, boulder lifting, among other rural sports along with a book exhibition were also inaugurated.
