Telangana to Host Kite, Sweet, Balloon Festivals and Drone Show for Sankranti

Officials warned that flying kites with nylon thread in large public gatherings can cause fatal injuries to infants, children and the elderly.

“The ban will be enforced at the International Kite Festival at Secunderabad Parade Grounds, with checks at entry points to ensure visitors carry only cotton thread. With lakhs of people expected to attend, the Tourism Department is coordinating with ride-hailing services such as Uber and Rapido to offer discounted rides, along with dedicated pick-up and drop points to ease traffic and crowd movement, said TGTDC Managing Director Kranti Valluru.

Tourism and Culture Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, addressing a press briefing, said tourism is not merely recreational but a key driver of economic and social development, generating revenue, foreign exchange and large-scale employment. He said the government is also leveraging Hydraa’s beautified lakes Bathukamma Kunta, Thammidi Kunta, Bumruk Dawla and Nalla Cheruvu by facilitating kite-flying opportunities at these locations.

The International Kite Festival will be held at Secunderabad Parade Grounds from January 13 to 15. This year Hanuman kite will be a surprising element. It will feature 40 international kite flyers from 19 countries, including Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Japan, France, Italy, Switzerland and Russia, along with 55 national participants from 15 Indian States. Night flying displays, cultural performances highlighting Telangana’s traditional art forms, around 100 handloom and handicraft stalls, and 60 food courts offering regional cuisines will be major attractions. This year, kite flyers from Algeria, Thailand and Australia have also joined the line-up, with kites permitted to fly up to 25 feet. “We are experts in making, designing and understanding the aerodynamics of flying kites. Awita Kite flyers from France to visit this year.” said Pavan Solanki, an international kite flyer who regularly conducts kite-flying events in Telangana.

The Sweet Festival, organised in collaboration with Culture Language Indian Connections (CLIC), will showcase over 1,200 varieties of homemade sweets prepared by people from different States and countries settled in Hyderabad. Sindhi and Nagaland cuisines are new additions this year. Women participants will be provided free stalls, and the earnings from these stalls will be retained entirely by them.

The Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held from January 16 to 18, featuring 15 international balloons operated by teams from European countries. Morning balloon rides will take place on the outskirts of Hyderabad, while evening Night Glow Balloon shows will be organised at the Parade Grounds.

Adding to the festive buzz, a Drone Show will be conducted at Gachibowli Stadium on January 16 and 17. The show will feature advanced drones with multi-colour LED lights, aerial formations and FPV video feeds.