Hampi Utsav 2023 Put Off Over Drought in Karnataka

Hosapete: In light of the prevailing drought situation in the state, the Karnataka government has opted to postpone the internationally acclaimed Hampi Utsav to early next year.

The event is likely to be held in January or February 2024.  

The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, attended by Housing, Minorities Development, and Vijayanagar District-In-Charge Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan on Wednesday. The meeting recognized that numerous taluks across various districts, including Vijayanagar and Ballari, are grappling with drought, rendering it difficult to hold the Utsav now.

Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan explained that the event was previously scheduled for November, but given the drought conditions, the Chief Minister suggested holding it in February of the following year. Hence it was resolved that the festival would be held in February 2024.

Urban Development Minister Byrati Suresh, Chief Minister's Political Secretary Nasir Ahmed, Govindaraju, Housing Department Principal Secretary Navin Raj Singh, Department of Kannada and Culture Secretary Manjula, Chief Minister's Joint Secretary Jairam, and Vijayanagara District Deputy Commissioner Divakar were present.