Hampi Utsav To Return To November Schedule From This Year: Chief Minister
Siddaramaiah said the festival under MP Prakash was being held in November and many leaders wanted it to continue in the same month.
Hampi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday announced that, in keeping with the vision of former Deputy CM MP Prakash, the Hampi Utsav will be organised every year in November starting this year, instead of February, to ensure greater public participation and avoid clashing with examination schedules.
Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of Hampi Utsav–2026, the Chief Minister recalled the role of Kannada and Culture Minister MP Prakash in initiating the festival and promoting culture, language, literature, drama and cinema.
Siddaramaiah said the festival under MP Prakash was being held in November and many leaders wanted it to continue in the same month.
“From this year itself, the Hampi Utsav will be permanently held in November. It will be held on Nov 3, 4 and 5. February coincides with examinations, and November is more suitable. So I want to announce that from this year itself, it will be permanently held in November. Do you all agree?” he asked, drawing applause from the audience.
While the Hampi Utsav was earlier held in November, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been conducted in February in recent years. The Chief Minister has now announced that the festival will return to its November schedule from this year.
Stressing the importance of history, the Chief Minister said the prosperity of the Vijayanagara empire was well documented and should be known to the present generation. He said development should not be confined to roads, bridges and buildings alone. “True development also means nurturing literature, art, culture, theatre, dance and music. Our government is giving encouragement to these,” he said.
Referring to foreign traveller Abdul Razak, Siddaramaiah said his accounts described Vijayanagara as one of the richest kingdoms. “Many articles have been written about Hampi. People should read and understand how advanced and prosperous it once was,” he said.
The Chief Minister spoke at length about social inequality and caste divisions, saying democracy could succeed only when equal opportunity was ensured. He said his government’s programmes during his first term (2013–18) and the present term were aimed at reducing inequality.
“Our Bhagya schemes earlier and Guarantee schemes now are meant to eradicate inequality. Monthly assistance of Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per family improves purchasing power and also enables savings,” he said.
He added that the caste system could not be eliminated without ensuring social, economic and political freedom. “Political freedom alone is not enough. Social and economic freedom must also be achieved. Only then can true equality be realised,” he said.
He quoted Dr BR Ambedkar and Basavanna to support his stand on social equality.
Siddaramaiah said festivals like Hampi Utsav were vital to showcase the region’s heritage and traditions. “Through these, people should understand how life was earlier and how it is today. This continuity of tradition is important for future generations,” he said.
