The Hampi Utsav

Backdrops. They make all the difference. Listen to a plaintive flute on the iPod. Now close your eyes and imagine the same strains wafting across medieval monoliths under an open sky.

At the Hampi Utsav, though, you need to keep your eyes wide open. The ruins of the capital of the 14th century Vijayanagara kingdom add a superior dimension to the performances of 1,000-odd artistes, including flautist Hariprasad Chaurasia. Spread across six different venues over three days, the festival has lined up rural sports, treasure hunts, seminars and exhibitions during the day and stage performances post-sundown.

Forget WWF. Watch age-old rural wrestling. Sample authentic south Indian food from master chefs whose lineage goes back many generations. Go on a 10-hour heritage walk across the World Heritage Site. Lend your eyes and ears to the light and sound show at the elephant stables of the Virapaksha temple.

Tune in to the mellifluous ghazals of Hariharan on November 3, followed by Chaurasia’s recital. Watch entranced as a Yakshagana troupe takes centrestage on November 5.

Share the limelight.

Hampi Utsav. From November 3-5.Catch a private or KSTDC bus from Majestic to Hospet (fares: Rs 380 and 300 respectively) and hire a cab/auto to complete the 315km journey. Or drive down Tumkur Road-Hiriyur-Bellary Road to Hampi. For accommodation, check www.karnatakatourism.org/hampi_where_stay.htm. Entry free to all performances.