IN FULL SWING: Work on the main stage, which has a rocky terrain for backdrop, is under way near Yeduru Basava Mantap for the Hampi Utsav.

BELLARY: Hampi, the seat of the Vijayanagar empire, which is known for its architectural marvel, will come alive with "Hampi Utsav," a three-day mega cultural festival of dance, drama and music, which will begin on November 3.

The annual event is much awaited by connoisseurs of art and music as artistes of national and international repute perform during the utsav. In addition, the event also provides a platform for young artistes from the district to showcase their talent.

The cultural festival aims at capturing the glorious past of the Vijayanagar empire. The Vijayanagar kings were known to nurture and promote art, culture, literature and architecture. The celebrated king Srikrishnadevaraya used to celebrate Dasara along with his subjects at "Mahanavami Dibba."

Stages

Five stages are being erected at various places for the event, and they will bear the names of well-known personalities. This year, the main stage near Yeduru Basava (opposite Virupaksha temple) is named after Chamarasa, a well-known poet in the court of Srikrishnadevarya. The stage at the temple precincts is named after Chinnamba, wife of Srikrishnadevaraya. Music and dance programmes will be held at the two stages.

The stage named after Bellary Raghava, the well-known playwright of yesteryears, near Krishna temple has been set aside to stage plays. Kanaka Vedike at Kaddirampur will be used to stage "Bayalata" while the Gangadevi Vedike near the Kadlekal Ganesha temple has been set aside for women and children to exhibit their talents.

"Vijayanagar Vaibhava," the light and sound show organised by the Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, will be held at the elephant stables and is expected to draw a large crowd. The entire precincts, including the elephant stables and the guardroom adjacent to it, will be used for the show.

A symposium on Vijayanagar history, book releases, wrestling matches, a photo exhibition and an exhibition-cum-sale of books brought out by Kannada University, will also be held. Apart from this, around 30 stalls will be set up to showcase the achievements of various departments.

Fireworks display have been planned on the inaugural and the concluding day.

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