HAMPI – Utsav

The foreign visitors during the Vijaynagar Era, Nicolo Conti in 1420 & Abdul Razzak in 1443 were mesmerized by the grandeur of Mahanavmi festivity unleased.
A procession of Elephants, followed by folk dancers, mimicry artists, chariots, gymnastics show, magicians and jokers entertaining the crowd enroute.

The carnival atmosphere was heightened by courtesans dancing to the classical tune of the times. The King worshipped the goddess and signalled the beginning of the nine days of unparalleled festivity earning accolades of the masses and ire of the Sultans. Gems and jewellery were showered upon, the loyalists, generals brave feats at war, artisans finesse, and courtesans as token of recognition. Entire royal treasury was adorned by queen, her relatives & consorts lending a sparkle to the festive atmosphere.


Streets were lighted with lamps, temples were decorated with flowers and 1000 lights, palaces adorned a festive atmosphere buzzing with activity.
Every day a different program was enacted in front of the royalty, Yakshaghana – a dance cum drama, puppet show, circus, magic show, rural plays, fancy dress competition etc, formed the agenda. The royalty joined to witness the various shows daily linking them to the masses of their time.

Grand Fireworks running into late nights bought the curtains down on 9 days of festivity. Year after year, rulers upgraded the scale of festivity, which was a form of vacation for the army and artisans to indulge in orgy and revelry.


The Government of Karnataka have revived the celeberation in form of HAMPI UTSAV, minus the orgies. It is an abridged version for 3 days showcasing the Mahanavmi festivity of Vijaynagar. Generally it is held during first week of November every year. This year it is on NOV 3 to 5. HAMPI UTSAV is a nostalgic re-creation of History of VIJAYNAGAR.