Hampi Utsav 2026 from February 13

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hampi in Vijayanagara district is gearing up for the Hampi Utsav-2026, which will be held from February 13 to 15 at the historic imperial city.

Addressing mediapersons after reviewing the preparations, Housing Minister and Ballari and Vijayanagara districts’ in-charge Minister B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan said on Wednesday that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would inaugurate the three-day cultural festival on February 13. The Chief Minister is scheduled to stay overnight in Hampi after the inauguration and will leave the next day to attend a programme in Haveri, he added.

Six stages

The Minister said elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the event is a success, which celebrates the cultural legacy of the Vijayanagara Empire. Six major stages have been set up for cultural performances across Hampi. The main venue, the M.P. Prakash Stage, has been equipped with seating for nearly 50,000 people. Other prominent stages include the Krishnadevaraya and Virupaksha stages, along with three additional platforms that will host a range of performances.

This year’s festival will feature participation from leading Sandalwood personalities, including actors Shivarajkumar, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, Ganesh, Rakshit Shetty, Rachita Ram, Dhananjaya and Bigg Boss winner Gillinata. A special light and sound show narrating the history of Hakka and Bukka, founders of the Vijayanagara Empire, has also been planned.

Illumination

Special decorative lighting has been arranged across a 50-km radius around Hampi to enhance the festive atmosphere. To ensure safety and smooth conduct of the programme, around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed, including one Superintendent of Police, eight Additional SPs, 15 DSPs and 61 Inspectors. The government has also arranged free meals and refreshments for devotees and visitors near the Krishna Temple during the festival.

Mr. Khan said the government has earmarked approximately ₹14 crore to ₹15 crore for the event. The administration expects a footfall of eight to 10 lakh visitors over the three days. Additional seating arrangements for around 15,000 people have been made to manage the anticipated crowd.

Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S Mannikeri, Zilla Panchayat CEO Nongjai Mohd Ali Akram Shah, Superintendent of Police Jahnavi and other senior officials were present.