Hampi Utsav 2026 to Feature Spectacular 50km Lighting Corridor from Hosapete to Heritage Site
As anticipation builds for Hampi Utsav 2026, scheduled from February 13 to 15, the Vijayanagara district administration has unveiled a breathtaking visual spectacle that promises to redefine festival celebrations. In a landmark initiative, authorities have rolled out an extensive 50-kilometer-long electricity illumination stretching from Hosapete city to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi. This ambitious project aims to recreate the grandeur of the historic Vijayanagara empire, serving as the centerpiece of this year's festivities.
Illuminated Route Details and Strategic Planning
Deputy Commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri provided detailed insights into the illuminated corridor's design. The lighting arrangement begins at the Vijayanagara district office in Hosapete, traverses through Kamalapur, and culminates at the iconic Virupaksha Temple in Hampi. Unlike previous editions where decorative lighting was limited to select monuments, this year's plan encompasses a comprehensive network covering:
- Main roads and public spaces across the region
- Bus and railway access points including Central Bus Terminus and Railway Station Road
- Key junctions such as Bengaluru Road, Ballari Road, Kampli Road, and scenic areas like Kamalapur lake
- Prominent traffic circles including Valmiki Circle, Ambedkar Circle, and Kanaka Circle
- Garland-style lighting along Bengaluru Road up to Sai Baba Circle in Hosapete
- The Kannada University campus and ancient streets of Hampi
Transforming Night Travel into Memorable Experience
The district administration has meticulously designed the entire route to ensure that night-time travel during the festival becomes an unforgettable experience for both residents and visitors. Mannikeri emphasized that the illumination plan intentionally blends heritage with celebration, creating a festive ambiance that honors Hampi's historical significance while enhancing its contemporary appeal.
Round-the-Clock Preparations and Infrastructure Management
Preparatory work has been underway for several days with multiple teams working tirelessly to install, test, and maintain the lighting infrastructure. Officials have implemented special measures to ensure:
- Uninterrupted power supply throughout the 50-kilometer stretch
- Comprehensive safety protocols along illuminated areas
- Close coordination between all departments involved in festival preparations
Boosting Tourism and Strengthening Heritage Legacy
The district administration believes this large-scale lighting initiative will significantly boost tourist footfall during the three-day festival. By transforming the Hosapete–Kamalapur–Hampi stretch into a glowing passage, authorities aim to further strengthen Hampi's reputation as a world-renowned heritage destination. "All departments are working in close coordination to ensure visitors leave with a lasting impression of Hampi Utsav 2026," affirmed Deputy Commissioner Mannikeri, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this grand visual celebration.
