The ancient Hampi festival of the state of Karnataka, with a background of artistic temples and the natural beauty of the mountains included in the world heritage, has today become one of the famous festivals not only in India but also in the world.
This festival is Celebrated every year for three days in October or November. This festival started as a victory festival for establishing the empire during the rule of the Vijayanagara Empire.
During the festival, the brightly decorated monuments of Hampi reverberate with music and dance. Tourists from all over the country and the world witness this great art-music festival, and it is a golden opportunity for them to see and understand the art culture of Karnataka closely.
All the temples and monuments of Hampi are attractively decorated during the festival.
Decorated elephants, horses, and several singers and traditional dance performers entertain guests and tourists at five different locations throughout the streets of Hampi.
The grand Jambu procession of elephants and men dressed as soldiers of the Vijayanagara Empire forms the main center of attraction. Folk songs and dances by Janpad Kala Vahini and cultural programs like puppetry and skit performances enthrall and entertain visitors. Competitions for photography, rangoli, henna painting, rural sports competitions, adventure sports, rock climbing, and water sports make the festival exciting.
      Light and sound show and gathering of handicraft artisans add to the festival's charm. Stone sculptures, paintings, books, and other exhibitions attract experts who have a keen interest in exquisite craftsmanship. Visitors can enjoy an aerial view of the World Heritage Site by helicopter. What to say about the grand fireworks display at the closing ceremony? This performance complements the celebration.
       Handcrafted by descendants of Vijayanagar artisans to the beat of drums and pipes
The Hampi festival organized by the Government of Karnataka reflects the splendor and glory of the Vijayanagara Empire. Relating to the lavish lifestyle of the colonial era people, the Hampi festival invites celebrities and artists from every corner of the world to grace the festival with their talents. This festival is an excellent opportunity to see the ancient art splendor of Hampi and its surroundings.
      Hampi, the festival site, is located 350 km from Bengaluru and is accessible by road, rail, and air. Hubli is the nearest airport to reach Hampi by air. There are regular flights from Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Mumbai. Taxis are readily available from the airport. Hospet is the nearest railway station at a distance of 15 km from Hampi. Hampi is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Karnataka, and many buses are available from Bangalore.