Hampi Utsav festival in Karnataka

The grandeur of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya has once again come alive at Hampi in Bellary district of Karnataka.

Bellari (Karnataka), Jan 29 : The grandeur of Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya has once again come alive at Hampi in Bellary district of Karnataka.

The Hampi Utsav festival, which has been celebrated since the time of the empire, kicked off on January 27 with great fanfare.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Home Minister P Chidambaram praised Hampi's vast history and tradition.

"The celebrations will bring back the glory and vision of our empire for the people of Karnataka and India and for a few days we shall bask in that glory," he said.arnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa called upon the Central Government to assist in the preservation of Hampi.

"Hampi is a much sought after tourist destination by people from all over the world. I take this opportunity to seek your intervention and help us in providing much needed support in the development of Hampi," said Yeddyurappa.

This year, the festival was postponed from November to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Krishna Deva Raya taking to the throne of the Vijayanagara kingdom.

Historians believe that by the end of the 15th century, Vijayanagara was the largest city in India and the second largest city in the world with 500,000 inhabitants.

The city is now known as the Ruins of Hampi and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.he festival ends today ).

ANI