Hampi Festival, aka Hampi Utsav, is an extravaganza that celebrates the existence of the Vijayanagar Empire founded by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I in 1336. It is a three-day festival that takes place at Virupaksha Temple. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the culture and heritage of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi, known for ancient ruined temples, is beautifully decorated with fairy lights.
It is locally known as Hampi Utsav or Vijay Utsav. During the festival, one can enjoy folk dance and music performances. Apart from this, the light & sound show is a major attraction of the Hampi Festival. Hampi Festival in India is a must-visit if you are keen to kickstart the year with a bang.
As Hampi Festival is dedicated to the times of the Vijayanagar Empire, it might be an ancient festival. The ruined temples of Hampi come under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites once ruled by Harihara I and their successors. Due to its historical significance, the Hampi Festival is also called Vijaya Utsav. Exploring the Hampi Festival in Karnataka can be a great opportunity to learn the culture of Karnataka.
Major Attractions of Hampi Festival / Vijaya Utsav
1. Cultural extravaganza
Being one of the popular festivals in Karnataka, the grandeur of the festival can be felt at every event. Here at Hampi Festival, several folk dances and music performances are organized for the audience to relive the Vijayanagar Empire. Popular Indian Bharatnatyam Artists in India perform classical dance performances such as Bharatnatyam.
2. Jumbo Safari
It is an elephant march which was organized during the festival. It used to hold great significance during the Vijayanagar Empire. The whole procession will take you back to the Vijayanagar Empire.
3. Procession
There is a procession that includes a huge number of people. It is a very interesting parade that sees participation from both women and men dressing up in medieval military uniforms.
4. Decoration of Raja Marg
As Virupaksha Temple was a significant temple during the Vijayanagar Empire, the whole Raja Marg Road, connecting the routes towards the temple, is decorated with fairy lights. This gives a happy and festival-like feeling which is purposed to welcome the king.
5. Light & Sound Show
Hampi Festival showcases the grandeur of the Vijayanagara empire through light and sound shows. This is also one of the major attractions of this grand fair.
6. Puppet Show
One can enjoy the puppet show, another attraction of the Hampi Festival. Several decorated puppets are just eye-delights, whereas local stories woven during puppet shows are intriguing to be known.
7. Fireworks
The sky is lightened with fireworks, and people come out in the streets carrying processions. In short, this three-day fiesta has everything entertaining and fun to be a part of.
8. Colourful Activities
You will hear musical instruments like drums, and pipes getting played throughout the festival. In the streets, you’ll find decorated elephants and horses. At different venues, dancers, vocalists, and artists entertain the tourists and guests throughout the Hampi Festival.
How To Reach Hampi Utsav
If you want to feel the Indian history and the vibe of a bygone era, then Hampi is one of the best places to visit in Karnataka. Here is how you can travel to Hampi by the following means of public transportation.
- Nearest Major City. Bangalore
- Nearest Airport. Hubli Airport
- Nearest Railway Station. Hosapete Junction Railway Station
- Distance from Bangalore. 340.6 km
By Air. The nearest airport to Hampi is the Hubli Airport, located at a distance of approximately 167 km. Direct flights to the airports operate from major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. From there, you can catch a taxi or other means of transportation to Hampi.
- Distance from Hubli Airport. 167 km
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Hampi Utsav
By Rail. Hosapete Junction railway station, situated in the Ballari District of Karnataka, is approximately 13 kilometres from Hampi, which can take around 15-20 minutes via car and more than one hour via bus. The station is well-connected to the neighbouring cities of Hosapete. The railway station has several amenities, including restrooms, canteens, bookstalls, etc. If you are travelling from any major metropolitan city of India, it is convenient to deboard at Bengaluru Railway Station, which serves pan India.
- Distance from Hosapete Junction Railway Station. 13 km
By Road. The road connectivity of Hampi is well-linked with its nearby regions. The city enjoys regular bus service from Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation. It will be easier to reach Hampi from Hosapete. Also, several interstate buses connect Hampi with Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Goa.
- Distance from Hospet. 10.8 km
- Distance from Gangavati. 13.2 km
- Distance from Munirabad. 14.1 km
- Distance from Bellary. 53.1 km
- Distance from Raichur. 135.8 km
- Distance from Hubli. 139.3 km
- Distance from Aihole. 138.7 km
- Distance from Delhi. 1867 km
- Distance from Mumbai. 744 km
- Distance from Kolkata. 1773 km
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hampi Festival
Ques 1. Which is the most prominent festival celebrated in Hampi?
Ans 1. Hampi Festival, aka Hampi Utsav, is an extravaganza that celebrates the existence of the Vijayanagar Empire founded by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I in 1336.
Ques 2. Which state is famous for Vijaya Festival or Hampi Festival?
Ans 2. Hampi Festival, or the Vijaya Festival, is celebrated with great pomp and show in Karnataka.
Ques 3. Why is Hampi Festival celebrated in Karnataka?
Ans 3. It is a three-day festival that takes place at Virupaksha Temple in Karnataka. The festival is celebrated to commemorate the culture and heritage of the Vijayanagar Empire. Hampi, known for ancient ruined temples, is beautifully decorated with fairy lights.
