The three-day Hampi Utsav 2026 started with a lively kite festival on Saturday at Vijayanagara College grounds in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district. The event was inaugurated by MLA H.R. Gaviyappa. It was organized by the Department of Kannada and Culture along with the district administration. Hundreds of kite lovers took part, filling the sky with vibrant colors. Many tourists and locals gathered to enjoy the show. A giant horse-shaped kite soared high, symbolizing the brave cavalry of the old Vijayanagara empire. Kites with messages like "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and "I Love My India" in tricolor added a patriotic spirit. Children enjoyed octopus-themed and frame-less parafoil kites that change shape with the wind. Participants came from Bengaluru Kite Club and states including Punjab, Gujarat, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. The sky was lit with a big red octopus kite and animal-shaped kites like cheetahs and monkeys that seemed to jump across the sky, earning cheers. One kite bore the message "I Love HAMPI," showing pride in local heritage, while another read "BHARAT," inspiring patriotism. Many visitors captured the dazzling show on their phones. This kite festival set the mood for more cultural events planned for Hampi Utsav. Deputy Commissioner Kavitha S. Mannikeri, City Municipal Commissioner Shivakumar, and Bengaluru Kite Club members were also present.