Paint the sky: International Kite and Sweets Festival from January 13 to 15 at Parade Ground

Hyderabad: To continue the glory of the annual kite flying extravaganza during Sankranthi, the Government of Telangana has decided to organise the International Kite and Sweet Festival, 2024 from January 13 to 15 at Parade Ground, Secunderabad.

The Telangana tourism department organised the International Kite and Sweet Festival at the same venue in 2018, 2019 and 2020, inviting various international and national kite flyers to show their skills.

This year too, it is going to be an exciting three-day festival filled with fun and excitement coinciding with Makara Sankranti, the harvest festival. At the event, people can experience an array of regional arts, crafts and cuisine along with the spectacle of watching national and international kites compete with each other, pushing the art of flying kites to its zenith.

Telangana State’s patronage of festivals

The Telangana State Government has been at the forefront of encouraging statewide celebrations of various festivals such as Bonalu during July, Bathukamma during September and October and other festivals central to many tribal communities.

In addition, the State government has also been organising other festivals such as the International Kite and Sweet Festival to attract a large number of tourists to the state.

Flying kites during Sankranthi is a cherished tradition in Telangana, participated by people of all age groups and communities. Families decorate the streets with traditional rangoli with ‘gobbemma’ (dung cake) and prepare various sweets and snacks for friends and families to spread joy on the occasion.

International kite flyers as highlights

The kite festival will witness participation from 16 countries including Indonesia, Switzerland, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada, Cambodia, Scotland, Thailand, Korea, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Italy, Taiwan, South Africa and the Netherlands.

Around 40 international and 50 national kite flyers are expected and a special night-flying event has been scheduled. Different types of kites, ranging from small to massive, will be flown during the festival making the sky colourful.

Various cultural programmes will also be organised to promote the local culture of the state. Apart from the kite festival, the sweet part of the festival will have food courts featuring mouthwatering cuisines of Telangana. Stalls displaying local handicrafts and handlooms will also be present.

Visitors from across country invited

The citizens of Telangana and other parts of the country are hereby invited to witness the enthralling experience of kite flying and taste the delicious sweets and snacks during the three days. Entry is free for all for the event at Parade Ground, Secunderabad.

The frequency of Metro Rail and TSRTC bus services has been increased during the three days. The public is requested to utilise public transportation to reach the venue.