<p>The extravagant Hampi Utsav, an annual affair that showcases and celebrates the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been put off due to drought.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“There’ll be no Hampi Utsav this year for lack of a suitable environment,” Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar told reporters Tuesday. “Last year, the festival was held at a cost of Rs 15 crore. This time, all taluks in the district are drought-hit,” he said. </p>.<p class="bodytext">When it was pointed out that artistes were pressuring the government to hold the event, Shivakumar said: “They may want the festival, but we need time to make preparations. After a discussion with the chief minister, the festival has been put off.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The festival is generally held over three days packed with music, dance, puppetry, fireworks to showcase the culture of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Karnataka has declared 100 taluks across 24 districts as drought-hit, and has estimated a loss of Rs 16,662 crore. The government has sought a financial assistance of Rs 2,434 crore from the Centre.</p>
<p>The extravagant Hampi Utsav, an annual affair that showcases and celebrates the rich history of the UNESCO World Heritage site, has been put off due to drought.</p>.<p class="bodytext">“There’ll be no Hampi Utsav this year for lack of a suitable environment,” Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar told reporters Tuesday. “Last year, the festival was held at a cost of Rs 15 crore. This time, all taluks in the district are drought-hit,” he said. </p>.<p class="bodytext">When it was pointed out that artistes were pressuring the government to hold the event, Shivakumar said: “They may want the festival, but we need time to make preparations. After a discussion with the chief minister, the festival has been put off.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">The festival is generally held over three days packed with music, dance, puppetry, fireworks to showcase the culture of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Karnataka has declared 100 taluks across 24 districts as drought-hit, and has estimated a loss of Rs 16,662 crore. The government has sought a financial assistance of Rs 2,434 crore from the Centre.</p>
