Hyderabad: The International Kite and Sweet Festival 2026 concluded on a grand note on Thursday at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad, coinciding with Sankranti celebrations.
The Telangana State Tourism Department organised the three-day festival as part of the Sankranti festivities. As a result, the kite and sweet event attracted lakhs of visitors from Hyderabad and nearby regions. In fact, this major celebration can be described as a unique blend of kites and sweets, making it reminiscent of an international kite and sweet festival at its finest. The programme combined large-scale kite flying with a parallel sweet exhibition. Together, the festival offered a strong visual and cultural experience.
This year, over 40 international kite flyers took part in the festival. They came from France, Sri Lanka, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Algeria. You could say the event had all the vibrance of a true Kite and Sweet Festival, with participants from many countries. Additionally, professional kite flyers from several Indian states also participated. Their coordinated performances, therefore, drew constant attention from spectators at the venue.
Specially designed kites emerged as major attractions during the event. For instance, Alien, Vande Mataram and Whale-themed kites stood out. Meanwhile, night sessions featured LED-lit kites. These displays lit up the sky with bright colours during the festival, echoing the joy of a global sweet and kite gathering such as the International Kite and Sweet Festival.
International Kite and Sweet Festival draws huge crowds
Alongside the kite displays, organisers also held the Sweet Festival as part of the International Kite and Sweet Festival, with more than 60 stalls. Vendors showcased traditional sweets and snacks from across India at the event. Notably, items from West Bengal, Kerala, Bihar and Goa featured prominently. At the same time, authentic Telangana delicacies added local flavour. Cultural programmes during the festival further increased footfall.
During the closing ceremony, TGTDC Managing Director Kranthi Valluru congratulated the kite flyers. She then felicitated them with mementos for their participation in the festival. On occasions such as the International Sweet and Kite Festival, it is common for organisers to honour the efforts and spirit of the community. Organisers also honoured the winners of the Weekend Wonders Contest. They received prize money on stage.
The concluding day fell on a public holiday. Consequently, the Parade Grounds witnessed exceptionally large crowds during the event. Colourful kites filled the sky and transformed the Secunderabad skyline. Events of this scale, especially ones like the Kite and Sweet International Festival, bring the local community together in celebration. Following the success of the International Kite and Sweet Festival, public interest has shifted to upcoming programmes at the venue. These include the Hot Air Balloon Festival from January 16 to 18. A live concert by singer Mangli is also scheduled on January 16.