Hyderabad International Kite and Sweet Festival
This January, Hyderabad’s historic Parade Grounds transforms into a massive playground of colors and flavors. The sky over Secunderabad will be filled with giant, artistic kites, while the ground offers a unique feast of over **1,200 varieties of sweets** from across India and the world. Whether you're a kite enthusiast, a foodie, or looking for a perfect family outing during the Sankranti holidays, this 3-day extravaganza is the place to be! --- ### **Essential Visitor Guide** | Detail | Festival Information | | :--- | :--- | | **Festival Dates** | **January 13 to January 15, 2027** | | **General Timings** | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM | | **Location** | **Parade Grounds**, Secunderabad, Hyderabad | | **Nearest Metro** | **Parade Grounds Station** (Interchange for Blue & Green lines) | | **Entry Pricing** | **FREE for all visitors** | --- ### **Highlights from the 2026 Edition** * **Global Sky Parade:** Watch master flyers from over **19 countries** (including Japan, France, and Australia) launch massive 3D kites. Look out for the 100-meter-long dragon kites and giant sea turtles! * **The International Sweet Festival:** A foodie's paradise! Over **1,200 types of homemade sweets** are on display, prepared by various cultural communities living in Hyderabad. It’s a literal "Taste of India" in one location. * **Night Flight & Light Show:** Don't leave early! Every evening features **Night Kite-flying**, where illuminated kites (Tukkals) dance against the dark sky, synchronized with a dazzling strobe light show. * **Handloom & Craft Bazaar:** Added in 2026, with over 100 stalls featuring authentic **Telangana Handlooms** and local handicrafts directly from the artisans. * **Drone & Balloon Preview:** In 2026, the Kite Festival served as the grand opening for the **Hyderabad Drone Festival** and **Hot Air Balloon Show**, held on 16 to 18 January 2026. --- ### **Pro-Tips for Your Visit** * **Use the Metro:** Parking near Parade Grounds is extremely difficult during Sankranti. The **Hyderabad Metro** is the fastest way to reach; the station exit is just a 2-minute walk from the main gate. * **Best Time for Photos:** For the best lighting and maximum kites in the air, visit between **2:00 PM and 5:00 PM**. The "Night Glow" kites start appearing after sunset around 6:30 PM. * **Hydration & Comfort:** The grounds are massive and involve a lot of walking. Wear comfortable sneakers, carry a hat, and stay hydrated. * **Sweet Stall Strategy:** The Sweet Festival stalls are grouped by state (e.g., Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra). Start from the international section and work your way through the Indian regional specialties! * **Safety First:** Please avoid bringing glass-coated thread (*Manjha*) to the grounds. The event promotes **Eco-Friendly flying** to protect the city's bird population.