Anegundi Utsava is a heritage and cultural festival held in Anegundi near Hampi, the earliest capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. It invites visitors to discover music, dance and riverfront traditions in the landscape associated with the epic kingdom of Kishkinda.
Did You Know?
- Anegundi is regarded as an older settlement than Hampi and was an early capital of the Vijayanagara rulers.
- The area is closely linked with the Ramayana’s Kishkinda region and legends of Hanuman and Sugriva.
- The old palace and fort at Anegundi form a key backdrop for festival events and performances.
- Anegundi Utsava highlights local art, oral traditions and village life along the Tungabhadra River.
Highlights of the Event
- Inaugural ceremony and cultural procession through Anegundi’s old streets, with traditional music and folk troupes.
- Evening performances of classical and folk dance, music and theatre in open air courtyards and riverfront spaces.
- Themed heritage walks to fort walls, ancient temples, cave sites and viewpoints over the boulder filled valley.
- Art, craft and food stalls showcasing regional snacks, rural produce and handmade souvenirs from the surrounding villages.
- Storytelling sessions and local guides introducing visitors to Ramayana lore and the Vijayanagara legacy.
Event Dates and Timings
Anegundi Utsava is generally organised as a multi day celebration, often in the cooler months between late winter and early summer. Programmes normally begin with a morning inauguration and cultural activities, followed by heritage walks, workshops and evening stage shows; exact dates, venues and timings are announced locally each year.
How to Reach
Anegundi is located across the Tungabhadra River from Hampi, in Gangavathi taluk of Koppal district. The nearest major town and railhead is Hosapete, from where visitors can travel by road to Hampi and onward to Anegundi. Local ferries and bridges connect the Hampi side and Anegundi, while buses, autos and taxis operate from Koppal, Gangavathi and Hosapete.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Confirm festival dates, daily schedules and any special river crossing arrangements before planning your visit.
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for rocky paths, steps and village lanes.
- Evenings by the river can be breezy; carry a light layer and keep valuables safe in crowded performance areas.
- Respect local customs at temples, sacred lakes and shrines; remove footwear and dress modestly in these spaces.
Conclusion
Plan a culture rich escape to Anegundi Utsava and wander through fort ruins, riverside ghats and starlit performances. And experience stories of Vijayanagara and Kishkinda in a living village setting.