Hampi Utsav: Last minute date fixing poses threats to monuments due to large number of tourists

Hubballi: Over the years, Hampi Utsav seems to be losing the very purpose for which it was started - to attract visitors from across the world and providing local artistes a platform to showcase the rich tradition, art and culture of Karnataka to the global audience.

Former deputy chief minister the late M P Prakash had started the Utsav in 1992 to introduce the rich cultural heritage to the world. Between 1992 and 2008, the event was organised in the first week of November.

However, of late the event doesn't have a fixed date, and has become more of a Kannada cinema centric event catering to the audiences from Hampi’s neighborhood.

This year the three-day event will start on February 28. The state government is expected to spend Rs 14 crore for the event. The district administration, like last year, is expecting more than 10 lakh people, including 5,000 foreigners.

The local guides and residents, however, say the numbers are exaggerated. Last year, a maximum of 300-400 foreigners visited Hampi during the Utsav, says a government recognised guide.

“February is not a tourist season at Hampi. Majority of the foreign tourists visit the region in November and December. The Indian tourists' footfall will also be less as this is exam season,” said Santosh Joshi, the priest in Hampi. He said that the weather is pleasant in November and December.

“Earlier, the visitors used to experience the folk lore, art, culture and heritage of Hampi. There was also cultural exchange with artistes from foreign countries performing their traditional forms here. However, now, the main attraction is limited to just Bollywood and Sandalwood singers. Is that part of Hampi culture?” he asked.

Vijayanagara Deputy Commissioner M S Diwakara said that the administration is giving opportunity to every sub-sect, caste and tribe living in the erstwhile kingdom of Vijayanagara at the six platforms being set up this year. “We had to fight for eight months to get our remuneration of Rs 25,000 for our performance during the last utsav,” said an artist.

A Bengaluru based tour-operator said the biggest problem is not having a fixed event calendar. “Hampi Utsav, like Mysuru Dasara, can attract hundreds of visitors from across the world if the dates are fixed in advance. We are not promoting it as a tourist event. Foreigners wish to learn and enjoy our local art forms and traditions. In the past decade, Hampi Utsav has become more of an ego satisfying event for politicians,” he said.

Officials at district administration and tourism department concede that last minute fixture of the utsav dates is one of areas of concern.

Director of Tourism Rajendra K V said that from the next financial year they are preparing an event calendar for all the major attractions of the state.

“The budget will also be fixed year in advance so that the organisers can prepare the event accordingly,” he said.

ASI as main custodian of Hampi World Heritage Site

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is one of the main custodians of the Hampi world heritage site. However, the last-minute fixtures of the event put the ASI officials in a fix. While there are provisions to allow the state governments to organise cultural events near these monuments, there are also threats the monuments face due to large scale number of visitors.

“Just before the event, the district administration requests us to allow artists to perform near the monuments that are in very delicate condition. If we deny, we will be called as anti-Kannada culture. However, what the administration is not understanding is the threat the Karnataka heritage is facing,” an ASI officer said.