November 12, 2005 Hampi festival. India. by Stik Festivals are about settings and Hampi is one of India's most stunning places. The rock landscape jolts you back to an awarness that this IS a planet and we ARE part of a solar system. Add to that ancient crumbling temples and an eclectic array of beasts, including monkeys and neon green birds, and they could get on stage and play a tamburine and you'd still be captivated. Fortunately though, more than jingle jangle takes place. The main stage is set between two imposing and atmospherically lit red boulder hills. Smaller stages are within temple grounds. Acts include traditional dancers and seated tabla jamming. Road side are snake charmers and otherworldy fortune tellers. Even the police, never a sexy presence at festivals, add to the scene and cut a fine dash with their plumed hats. Save Hampi