CM inauguartes 3-day cultural fest at Hampi

Hampi: The curtains went up on the three-day international cultural festival, Hampi Utsav here on Thursday, with chief minister Siddaramaiah formally inaugurating the event. In keeping with tradition, the CM lit a lamp to signify the start of the event. The three-day programme will be centred on history, art and culture. Siddaramaiah told the audience that the government was committed to encouraging art and would lend all support to artists.Paying homage to Sri Krishnadevaraya, one of the greatest kings in Indian history, the CM said, "Krishnadevaraya was a secular ruler, who provided equal opportunity to people from all castes and religion."Highlighting the need for hospitality, the CM added, "Hampi draws scores of foreign tourists, owing to its place on the World Heritage list. The locals must care for them and treat them as friends." Siddaramaiah took the opportunity to inform the public about the measures that the state government had taken to alleviate the problems people were beset with owing to the severe drought conditions prevailing in the state. "This year, 139 taluks are staring at drought. Bidar, Kalaburagi and parts of Raichur, however, are faced with a problem of floods. The state has sought funds of Rs 4,000 crore under the National Disaster Relief Fund from the Centre. There is no dearth of funds for drought relief works to be undertaken. I have given the district administration a free hand to oversee the relief works. All taluks of Ballari are reeling under drought, and I will ensure that relief work in the district are expedited," he added. The Hampi Utsav was conceived by former deputy chief minister MP Prakash, who was also a renowned theatre personality. He envisioned the Hampi Utsav along the lines of the Mysuru Dasara festival. Labour minister Santosh S Lad, public works department minister HC Mahadevappa, deputy commissioner of Ballari, Ramprasad V Manohar were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. The crowd gathered at Virupaksha temple were treated to as many as 25 varieties of folk performances as a part of Shobha Yatre.