1 hour ago
5
The three-day Hampi Utsav-2026 got off to a vibrant start with a kite festival organised at the Vijayanagara College grounds in Hosapete of Vijayanagara district on Saturday.
MLA for Vijayanagara H.R. Gaviyappa inaugurated the festival, which was jointly organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture and the district administration.
A large number of kite enthusiasts participated in the event, turning the skyline into a splash of colours with kites of varied shapes and sizes. Tourists and local residents gathered in hundreds to witness the spectacle.
A giant horse-shaped kite soaring high against the blue sky drew attention, symbolically recalling the valour associated with the cavalry of the erstwhile Vijayanagara empire. Kites carrying messages such as “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and “I Love My India” in tricolour hues added a patriotic touch to the celebrations.
Octopus-themed kites and parafoil designs, known for their frame-less structure that changes shape with wind intensity, were among the major attractions, particularly for children.
The participants from the Bengaluru Kite Club and kite flyers from Punjab, Gujarat, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh showcased large-scale creations. A towering red octopus and animal-shaped kites resembling a cheetah and a monkey appeared to leap across the sky, drawing applause from the crowd.
A prominent kite bearing the message “I Love HAMPI” reflected pride in the region’s heritage, while another inscribed with “BHARAT” evoked patriotic fervour among spectators. Many visitors were seen capturing the aerial display on their mobile phones.
The kite festival set the tone for the cultural festivities lined up as part of the Hampi Utsav.
Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri, City Municipal Commissioner Shivakumar and representatives of the Bengaluru Kite Club were among those present.
English (US) ·