5 Reasons Why Hampi Festival 2020 is Unmissable

Hampi is an ancient, significant, and one of the celebrated cities from the bygone era that forms a significant part of Indian Heritage. This city served as the capital of the great Vijayanagar empire and gained popularity for its culture, architecture, and wealth. This ancient city has also been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site for being a treasure trove of its time.

Hampi Festival or Vijaya Utsav is one of the most popular festivals in Karnataka that celebrates this city, its culture, and its heritage. People from all around the country arrive in the city to be a part of this grand 2-day celebration. Here are 5 good reasons for you to visit the Hampi Festival in Karnataka:

The Mesmerizing and the Magnificient Architecture of Virupaksha Temple 

This temple is Hampi Utsav's venue. Virupaksha temple is a 7th-century Hindu temple that is known to be the oldest functioning temple of the country. Virupaksha temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. From its architecture to its vibes, everything will certainly amaze you at a glance!

Escape into the Culture and Folk Art of Hampi with Janapada Kalavahini

This is a popular concert that features music and dance shows along with eye-delighting light and sound shows that are worth witnessing. Puppet shows and fireworks are also worth witnessing and capturing in the camera.

The Great Grand Procession and Jumbo Safari

Besides the cultural extravaganza, a grand procession of elephants also mesmerizes the audience. These elephants are trained around the year to take part in the festival and are decorated with vibrant accessories for this grand celebration. The Jumbo safari holds a special charm amongst the locals and is a must-watch event of the festival.

The Decorated and Delightful Raja Marg Street

Raja Marg is a road that leads to the Virupaksha Temple. The road is of utmost importance during the festival as locals believe that this was the guardian shrine that protected the Vijayanagar empire. The street is decorated with fancy lights, especially for the vibrant festival.

Shop the Antique and Unique Handicraft Items Here

This 3-day Hampi Festival of Karnataka also grants you the opportunity to shop as this event is graced by local artisans and artists who display their craft on sale. People can buy handicraft items at highly affordable prices.

Hampi Festival 2020 Dates

This year the festival is scheduled to take place from January 10 to January 11. Various cultural programs, along with light and sound shows have been lined up to engage and entertain the audience.   

Interesting Quick Facts About Hampi 

• Hampi is home to Vittala Temple which is known for its marvelous architecture, featuring 56 musical pillars. These pillars produce melodious sounds when tapped in a certain manner. Owing to this mystical architecture the pillars are also referred to as SAREGAMA Pillars.
• Though there is a common belief that Hampi was set up by the rulers of the Vijayanagar empire but locals and some historians claim that the city got settled in the 1st century.
• Hampi is also related to the times of Lord Rama. The most prominent proof of it is the Hazara Rama Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Rama and its panels depict the story of Ramayana.
• Not just Lord Rama, Lord Shiva also walked on the land of Hampi. Legends have it that Lord Shiva did penance at the Hemkuta Hill thousands of years ago.
• Wait, there is more! Anjaneya Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman by the local people.
• In front of the Virupaksha Temple, there lies a one-kilometer-long street which, according to the local people, was a market street.

This city is a lot more than what meets the eye and to experience the same, you certainly need to attend the Hampi Festival in Hampi. It won't just leave you enriched but also proud and blissful about India and its heritage that these events keep alive! 

Now don’t wait, go find out what this incredible country and its festivals have for you. Happy Exploring!