Hampi Utsav to feature Shreya Ghoshal and other celebrities

Hosapete (Vijayanagara): This year's Hampi Utsav will showcase performances by renowned artistes, including singers Shreya Ghoshal and Sanjit Hegde, as well as actors Dolly Dhananjay, Dhruv Sarja, Rachita Ram, and Rukmini Vasant.The decision was taken during a pre-meeting chaired by deputy commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri. These meetings are held almost daily. A senior official overseeing the festival preparations stated, "The list of invited celebrities has been finalised, and prior consent was already secured from them."DC Kavita directed officials to fulfil their duties, stating that a total of 21 sub-committees were established. "We must ensure there is no lack of food and accommodation for the celebrities. The KSRTC will arrange additional buses for tourists from neighbouring districts," she said.It was recommended that prompt measures be taken to repair potholes on the roads leading to Hampi, clear roadside vegetation, and that the regional transport department should implement a special ‘pickup and drop' service for senior citizens.Zilla panchayat deputy secretary Thimmappa was tasked with organising cleanliness, water supply, and temporary toilets. The health department also confirmed that 8 medical stalls and an ambulance service will be on standby at the festival site.Scheduled to be held from Feb 13 to 15, this year's event includes adventure sports, sculpture displays, a rangoli competition, poetry readings, and seminars. Additionally, a kite-flying festival has been introduced this time.