'Rope in pvt sector for Hampi fest'

HAMPI, Bellary: Chief Minister S M Krishna on Monday said that festivals like Hampi Utsav needed to be celebrated with private participation.
He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day festival witnessed by more than 10,000 people.
Krishna suggested that the district administration mobilise resources and work towards roping in the private sector."Only then can we invite more artistes from across the nation and celebrate the festival in a befitting manner."
Referring to the Mysore example, he said that due to financial constraints, the government had not spent a huge amount on conducting Dasara festival. "This year, we succeeded in attracting more tourists and earning revenue with assistance from private organisations."
In the same vein, he hoped the Hampi Utsav would soon turn into an international festival.
"Our government has realised the significance of Hampi and has tried to comply will all suggestions made by the UNESCO to save the world heritage centre," he said.
Admitting that the utsav had not been celebrated for two years for "technical reasons", he said the UNESCO had cautioned that Hampi was on the "list of endangered historical places" of the world.
It has given instructions for preserving the heritage of Hampi. The state government is making efforts to request the Centre for special financial package in this regard, he said.
Every stone in Hampi speaks about how people sold valuable diamond ornaments during the reign of Vijayanagar emperors. The temples speak volumes about its rich cultural heritage and these must be preserved for posterity, the Chief Minister added.