Government will celebrate Hampi Utsav in January

BELAGAVI: After much deliberation, the government has finally decided to hold Hampi Utsav, North Karnataka’s top cultural festival, on January 12 and 13.
The decision comes in the wake of protests from people of Ballari district and other areas in North Karnataka.

Replying to a Congress member in the legislative council on Friday, Jayamala, Kannada and culture minister, said the government has received a request for Rs 8 crore from the Ballari deputy commissioner to hold the Utsav.

“We had reserved Rs 60 lakh in the department’s action plan for 2018-19, and we have requested the finance department to provide additional fund of Rs 7.4 crore,” Jayamala said. “Despite severe drought in eight taluks of Ballari district, the district administration has decided to hold the Utsav as per the wishes of people of the district.”

Supplying a break-up of the budget for the Utsav, Jayamala said the fund will be distributed under 30 heads.

“Remuneration for all artistes of four stages will cost Rs 2.2 crore,” she said. “Various events like painting exhibition, photography exhibition, heritage walk, bicycle jatha, Hampi by sky, bike rally, farmers’ seminar, indigenous sports, kids zone, horse jumping, sound and light show, cultural programmes have been drawn up.”

DK Shivakumar, minister in charge for Ballari district, had cancelled Hampi Utsav celebrations due to drought in all eight taluks in the district. However, the decision was met by protests from people and the opposition BJP embarrassed the ruling coalition by threatening to collect donations from people to celebrate the annual event.