Hampi Utsav / Vijayanagara Festival (Jan/Feb)
Three-day government extravaganza. Classical dance on Vittala stage, fireworks over ruins, craft bazaars. Book everything early.
Fair & Festival celebrate in Hospet
Virupaksha Car Festival (Feb/Mar)
Massive wooden chariot pulled by thousands through Hampi bazaar. Dust, drums, absolute madness. Dates change yearly.
Purandaradasa Aradhana (Jan/Feb)
Carnatic music festival at Vittala Temple. Top artists perform free on the very stones where the saint once sang.
Diwali laser show at Tungabhadra Dam
Special one-night show with lasers telling Vijayanagara stories on water screens. Crowded but spectacular.
Ugadi - Kannada New Year (Mar/Apr)
Temples decorated with mango leaves, special pachadi served. Best experienced at local homes if you make friends.
Dasara illuminations
The entire Virupaksha Temple and bazaar are lit with thousands of oil lamps. Looks exactly like it must have 500 years ago.