"Hampi Utsav: A Celebration of the Ancient Vijayanagara Empire"

Gazing upon the azure 50 rupee note, your eyes are captivated by the resilient stone chariot, its wheels adorned with intricate craftsmanship. This iconic structure beckons admirers from distant lands, standing testament to the awe-inspiring stone sculptures of the Vijayanagara kingdom.

Nestled along the banks of the Tungabhadra, the erstwhile Vijayanagara realm rivaled metropolises like London and Rome. A hub of trade, merchants flocked here, exchanging precious stones and metals amidst the vibrant Hampi bazaar, adjacent to the towering Virupaksha devalaya.

The ancient Hampi Bazaar is a two storeyed structure. In the 15th century, King Devaraya I engineered a groundbreaking barrage, channeling Tungabhadra's waters into the city.

Amongst the remnants, the King's balance, a lofty structure, once used to weigh the King against precious stones and metals. Hampi's ruins narrate tales of advanced civil engineering, from stone bridges over the Tungabhadra to the pinhole camera effect unveiling inverted images of the temple gopuram.

Enduring the ravages of Sultans, Hampi faced massive destruction and treasure pillaging. The last Vijayanagara king, Aliya Ram Raya, met a tragic fate at the hands of the Sultans, marking a somber chapter in history.

Hampi Utsav 2024

Yet, amidst the echoes of the past, a phoenix rises in the form of the Hampi Utsav 2024. The state government champions Hampi's revival, offering free travel between Hampi and Hospete during the festivities. Exhibitions showcase an array of wonders - from millets and handicrafts to antique farm implements and books. Intriguing structures crafted from flowers and the Vijayapur forest department's stall steal the limelight.

During the grand royal procession, tourists are treated to a spectacle of Karnataka's diverse artistic performances. For those seeking a bird's-eye view of this majestic town, helicopter tours are available at a nominal fee.

As Hampi celebrates its rich heritage and embraces the future, the Hampi Utsav 2024 emerges as a beacon, promising a rejuvenated chapter for this ancient marvel.