No Hampi Utsav this year due to drought: DKS

The extravagant Hampi Utsav, an annual affair that showcases and celebrates the rich history of the UNESCO world heritage site Hampi; has been cancelled for this year, due to drought.

“There’ll be no Hampi Utsav this year,” Water Resource Minister D K Shivakumar told reporters Tuesday. Hampi is located in the Ballari district. Shivakumar is the minister in-charge for that district.

“Last year, the festival was held at a cost of Rs 15 crore. This time, all taluks in the district are drought-hit. Also, we need at least a month’s time to prepare. After a discussion with the chief minister, the festival stands cancelled for the current year,” Shivakumar said.

Hampi Utsav is the biggest festival of the ancient temple town. The festival is generally held over three days and is packed with music, dance, puppetry, fireworks to showcase the culture of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire capital.

Karnataka has declared 100 taluks across 24 districts drought-hit and has estimated a loss of Rs 16,662 crore. The government has sought financial assistance of Rs 2,434 crore from the Centre.