Cultural troupes from China, Sri Lanka, Orissa have arrived for the three-day event which will begin from January 27.
Hindustani classical maestro Pandit Jasraj, popular classical dancer and cine actress Hema Malini, music director Hamsalekha and his troupe, Sonal Mansingh and her team from Delhi will be performing at the ceremony.
Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy, in-charge of Bellary district, in a press conference in Bangalore on Saturday said besides artists from other countries and other parts of the country, nearly 3,000 artists representing native folk forms would get an opportunity to exhibit their talent at the event.
A golden era
Krishnadevaraya was a great king of the Vijayanagara empire. His rule had been considered a golden era. “The Government is fortunate to have got an opportunity to celebrate his 500th anniversary of coronation,” he said.
The celebrations committee is setting up four stages, for classical music, classical dance, folk music and dramas in Hampi, respectively. “The mega event has already begun attracting people from different places to Hampi, the world heritage site. The special flight services launched to Hampi from Hyderabad, Chennai and Bangalore has received an overwhelming response. All seats are booked. Over 15,000 students from 12 districts had already visited Hampi,” he said.
The Government has invited the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, to inaugurate the event. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram will be present. Chief Minister Yeddyurappa will preside over the inaugural function. Former deputy prime minister L K Advani will participate in the valedictory ceremony on January 29.
Statue of Krishnadevaraya
Higher Education Minister Aravind Limbavali said the Government would develop a research institute, a garden and install a statue of Krishnadevaraya in 80 acres of land belong to Hampi Kannada University in Hampi.
Janardhana Reddy said the total expenditure was about Rs 13 crore for the event. Asked was it necessary to spend so much on the celebrations, when thousands of people were in difficult situation because of floods, Reddy said the Government had taken all measures to build houses for those who had lost their shelter in the floods.
Earlier, the Government had thought of spending about Rs 110 crore for the event. After the floods the budget was reduced to Rs 13 crore. “We don’t get an opportunity to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Krishnadevaraya’s coronation often. Moreover, it is an occasion to showcase the rich culture and heritage of the State to the world,” he said.
Special buses for the event
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has arranged special buses from all districts to Hampi for the Sri Krishnadevaraya’s 500th Peetharohana Mahostava to be held in Hampi from January 27 to 29. For more details, contact the bus station officers.
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