Curtains came down on the three-day Hampi Utsav on Monday with Karnataka High Court Chief Justice Cyriac Joseph underscoring the need to promote art and culture through utsavs.

Speaking at the valedictory function, he described Hampi as ‘heaven on earth’ as it was a place of art, culture and heritage. It was heartening to note that the utsav was organised every year which reflected the rich cultural heritage. He wanted the Hampi utsav to go global and efforts should be made to promote the event.

Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman Prof B K Chandrashekar urged the State government to give at least Rs five crore to celebrate ‘Hampi Utsav’ and stressed the need for an joint effort in this regard. He said the place lacked facilities such as toilets, adequate rooms for the tourists.

The departments concerned should improve infrastructure in the erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar kings, he said.
The three-day fest was a visual treat for thousands of tourists as artistes gave the performance at six specially-erected stages in this erstwhile capital of Vijayanagar kings.