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Upcoming Events & Festivals in Hampi

Hampi is a historical and religious town located in the southern state of Karnataka in India. Known for its ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes, it is also a hub of cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. In this article, we will explore the upcoming events and festivals in Hampi that you should not miss.

Holi Festival

Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated all over India, and Hampi is no exception. In Hampi, Holi is celebrated in March every year. People gather on the streets and throw colored powder at each other, dance, and enjoy delicious sweets. The most popular place to celebrate Holi in Hampi is the Virupaksha temple.

Hampi Festival

The Hampi Festival is a four-day event held every year in November. It is organized by the Karnataka Government to promote tourism in the area. The festival showcases Hampi's rich history, culture, and traditions through dance performances, music concerts, street plays, and a grand procession. The festival concludes with a spectacular fireworks display.

Mahashivaratri

Mahashivaratri, the festival of Lord Shiva, is celebrated in February or March every year. It is a significant festival for the people of Hampi, and the Virupaksha temple is the hub of celebrations. Devotees flock to the temple to offer prayers, perform rituals, and witness the grand procession of Lord Shiva's idol.

Ugadi

Ugadi, the Telugu New Year, is celebrated in March or April every year. It is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. People clean their houses, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show in Hampi, and the Virupaksha temple is the center of festivities.

Diwali

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated in October or November every year. People decorate their homes with lights, burst crackers, and prepare delicious sweets. In Hampi, Diwali is celebrated with a grand procession of Lord Rama's idol, which starts from the Kodanda Rama temple and ends at the Hampi Bazaar.

Vijaya Utsav

Vijaya Utsav, also known as the Hampi Utsav, is a three-day event held in November every year. The festival celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over Ravana and showcases the cultural and historical heritage of Hampi. The festival features music concerts, dance performances, puppet shows, and a grand procession.

Virupaksha Car Festival

The Virupaksha Car Festival, also known as Rathotsava, is celebrated in February or March every year. The festival celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The highlight of the festival is the chariot procession of the idol of Lord Virupaksha, which is pulled by devotees through the streets of Hampi.

Pushkaram

Pushkaram is a 12-day festival held once in 12 years when Jupiter enters the zodiac sign of Leo. It is a significant festival for Hindus, and thousands of people from all over India come to Hampi to take a dip in the Tungabhadra river. The festival is believed to cleanse the sins of the devotees and bring them good fortune.

Hemakuta Hill Festival

The Hemakuta Hill Festival is a three-day event held in November or December every year. The festival is celebrated on the Hemakuta Hill, which is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman. The festival features music concerts, dance performances, and a grand procession of Lord Hanuman's idol.

Kannada Rajyotsava

Kannada Rajyotsava is celebrated on November 1st every year to commemorate the formation of the state of Karnataka. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Hampi, with cultural programs, parades, and food festivals.

Hampi Utsava

Hampi Utsava is a ten-day festival held in January every year. The festival celebrates Hampi's rich cultural and historical heritage and features various cultural events like music concerts, dance performances, and street plays. The festival culminates in a grand procession of the idol of Lord Virupaksha, which is taken out in a chariot.

Shivaratri Music Festival

The Shivaratri Music Festival is a two-day event held in February or March every year. The festival features some of the best classical musicians from all over India, who perform in the Virupaksha temple. The festival is a treat for music lovers, and the serene ambiance of the temple adds to the experience.

Bonalu

Bonalu is a festival celebrated in Telangana, but it is also celebrated in Hampi by the Telugu-speaking community. The festival is celebrated in July or August every year and is dedicated to the goddess Mahankali. The festival features processions of decorated pots filled with water, rice, and turmeric, which are carried by women on their heads.

Hampi is not just a place to explore ancient ruins and beautiful landscapes; it is also a hub of cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. From the grand celebrations of Hampi Utsava and Vijaya Utsav to the colorful Holi and Bonalu festivals, Hampi has something to offer to everyone. So, if you are planning to visit Hampi, make sure to check out the upcoming events and festivals and be a part of the cultural extravaganza.