Hampi, the erstwhile seat of the Vijayanagar empire, is getting spruced up for the Hampi Utsav – 2015, a three-day mega cultural festival of dance, drama, art and music beginning January 9. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the festival.
A colourful main stage, named after Sri Krishnadevaraya, with the model of Lotus Mahal as the backdrop, has been erected. Other stages are named after the late M.P. Prakash, Saint Vidyaranya, Hukka Bukka and late Daroji Eeeramma. The entire town has been cleaned, make shift toilets have been erected, and drinking water facilities have been provided, among other things. Entry of private four-wheelers inside Hampi has been banned. People will have to park their four-wheelers near the Hampi arch and should board the green buses that will take them to the venues. However, VVIP parking and also for two-wheelers have been provided at different places inside Hampi. Sale of liquor in and around Hampi has also been banned from 6 a.m. on January 9 to 6 a.m. of January 12. Rural sports, kite flying and the like will commence from 9 a.m. on January 9.
