Vijayanagar Royal family's jewels for display

Bellary (Karnataka), Oct 13: Tourists and residents of Bellary will get a rare opportunity to take a close look at the ornaments of the Vijayanagar royal family on the occasion of Hampi Utsav next month.

The Karnataka Endowments department, based on instructions from district incharge and Home Minister M P Prakash, had agreed to display the emerald and diamond studded ornaments of the royal family, which were in the temple treasury. Besides, the ornaments of Gods and Goddesses of famous temples in the State like Mookambika temple would be brought to Hampi and displayed.

Allaying the apprehensions expressed by the Executive Officer of Lord Virupaksha temple, Hampi, over the security of the ornaments during public display, Mr Prakash assured tight security around the exhibition. A photo exhibition on the rise and fall of the empire would be arranged by the archaeological department at Kamalapur museum.

Along with the gopuram of Virupaksheswara temple, the Vijaya Vittala Temple would also be illuminated on all Utsav days this year, the temple authorities said.

Akashvani would broadcast over 20 ballets and roopakas on Hampi's glory from October 24 to November six. Road shows would be organised in cities like Panaji and Hyderabad to create an awareness about the event, Tourism Department Commissioner Kumar Nayak said in a preparatory meeting held at Hampi yesterday.

Award-winning films would be screened in cinemas in Hospet and Hampi. KSRTC authorities have assured two late night buses from Hampi to Bangalore to benefit tourists from Bangalore and Mysore, besides more buses to taluk headquarters.

UNI