International Kite and Sweet Festival Lifts Spirits in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Jan 2026 : The skies above Hyderabad came alive with colour and creativity on Tuesday as the Seventh International Kite and Sweet Festival commenced at the historic Parade Grounds, marking a vibrant highlight of the Sankranti festivities. The three-day cultural celebration drew large crowds, transforming the venue into a lively space of art, tradition and global participation.

The festival was formally inaugurated by Minister for Tourism and Culture Jupally Krishna Rao, along with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. Together, they flagged off the event that brings together kite flyers, artisans, sweet makers and visitors from across India and the world.

This year’s festival has attracted 40 international kite flyers representing 19 countries, showcasing a wide range of innovative and traditional kite designs. In addition, 55 members from kite clubs across 15 Indian states are participating, reflecting the growing popularity of kite flying as both a cultural sport and an artistic expression. The sight of colourful kites soaring against the winter sky added to the festive spirit and drew enthusiastic applause from spectators.

Complementing the kite festival is a grand sweet exhibition, with 60 stalls offering an extensive variety of traditional and contemporary sweets from different parts of India and abroad. From regional delicacies to internationally inspired desserts, the stalls provided visitors with a rich culinary experience. Alongside these, more than 100 handloom and handicraft stalls have been set up, giving artisans a platform to display and sell their products.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Jupally Krishna Rao stressed the importance of festivals with deep historical roots in preserving the state’s cultural identity. He said such celebrations play a vital role in passing traditions on to future generations. Describing the event as a symbol of unity in diversity, he noted that participants from numerous Indian states and several countries coming together highlighted the inclusive spirit of Indian culture. Sharing personal memories, the Minister recalled flying kites during his childhood and spoke about the sense of joy and freedom associated with the activity.

Outlining the government’s vision, the Minister announced plans to encourage large-scale kite manufacturing within Hyderabad. He said shifting from dependence on imports to local production would help generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth. He added that the government aims to strengthen tourism while creating sustainable livelihoods for local artisans, craftsmen and unemployed youth.

Urging citizens to make travel a regular part of their lives, the Minister encouraged people to visit tourist destinations at least a couple of days every month. He said such travel not only offers mental relaxation but also directly supports the livelihoods of artists, vendors and small traders.

After the inauguration, the ministers toured the festival grounds, visited various stalls, interacted with vendors and sampled a range of traditional sweets, further adding to the festive atmosphere.

Team Maverick.