Hampi Rediscovers Past Glory

Mangalore Today

Hampi, Jan. 28: Lok Sabha Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj yesterday launched the three-day grand celebrations in Hampi to mark the 500th coronation anniversary of Sri Krishnadevarya.

Hampi was illuminated in a glittering manner as reminiscence of Sri Krishnadevaraya’s Vijayanagar empire. A large number of tourists from across the country and world have arrived in Hampi to have a glimpse of the glittering celebration.

Senior BJP leader L.K. Advani and Tamil Nadu CM M. Karunanidhi will be the guests at the valedictory function on Jan. 29.

Before the welcome address, a one minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in the Bellary building collapse.

Soon after the Hampi festival was inaugurated, danseuse Sonal Maan Singh and troupe presented a dance feature, followed by Hindustani music by Pandit Jasraj and dance feature by Bollywood actor Hema Malini, Madhav Peddimurthy and troupe’s Durga dance feature.

Wrestling competition, Rural Sports, Adventure sports, exhibition of articles, book exhibition, poets meet, homour programmes, presentation by artistes from the wandering tribe and Karnataka Vybhava Sound and Light programmes have been organised at Sri Krishnadevaraya Vedike. Besides, music, dance feature, drama, Sugama Sangeetha, Janapada Sangeetha, Ranga- geethe, Film music, Harikatha, Gamaka and a host of other cultural programmes have been organised in five other Vedikes specially erected for the occasion.

While Sushma Swaraj launched the Hampi festival Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram released a book on Vijayanagar Empire.

Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, who spoke on the occasion, said it is a matter of pride for Kannadigas that the glory of Vijayanagar Empire matched that of Roman Empire. It should be remembered that diamonds were sold on the streets in Vijayanagar and he would strive hard for providing an administration reminiscent of the Vijayanagar kingdom.

It was Sri Krishnadevaraya who introduced Indian culture to the entire world. The way the Intelligence Wing functioned in the Vijayangar Kingdom itself is very exciting, he explained and added that he would strive hard to follow Sri Krishnadevarya’s path in developing the State.

Sri Ravishankar Guruji who graced the occasion expressed disappointment that the country has failed in utilising tourism to the maximum extent. Tourism can be further strengthened in the country by organising such of these programmes. It is now essential to build the country unitedly with leaders setting aside their differences, he said.

Many Ministers including Tourism Minister Janardhan Reddy, Higher Education Minister Aravind Limbavali attended the fest.

 

Courtesy: Star of Mysore