It was a virtual re-enactment of the golden era of the erstwhile Vijayanagar empire during the Rayar Durbar, the royal light show, with people from all walks of life having an occasion to see modern day rulers (administrators and ambassadors from different countries) joining the show by exhibiting their dancing skills.
The show was organised, for the first time, at the Mahanavami Dibba, where the Vijayanagar kings used to celebrate Dasara with traditional gaiety, along with their subjects, as part of Hampi Utsav 2017, to recapitulate the rich cultural tradition of the glorious past of the Vijayanagar empire.
The show was conducted by Arun Sagar wherein dancers danced to lilting tunes by Vasu Dixit and his troupe on four different stages, while “Sri Krishnadevaraya” watched the events sitting on the throne atop the Mahanavami Dibba.
Ambassadors from 10 countries, including Eritrea, Egypt, Nigeria, Malaysia, Tunisia, Fiji and Algeria, were special guests for the evening.
Enthralled and inspired by the lilting tunes, Deputy Commissioner Ramprasath Manohar, who was principally responsible for organising the show, along with a few ambassadors and Additional Chief Secretary Rajneesh Goel, known for being people-friendly, began dancing to the tunes. Even Minister for Labour Santosh Lad and the main leader in organising Hampi Utsav, encouraged the dignitaries by clapping, egging them on. He avoided dancing due to a sprain in his leg.