Hyderabad gears up for 7th International Kite Festival & Sankranti celebrations
Hyderabad: Hyderabad is preparing for the 7th International Kite Festival, which will occur from January 13 to 15 at the Parade Grounds. The festival, organized by the state’s tourism, language, and culture department, coincides with the traditional Sankranti festival, bringing together a vibrant mix of domestic and international kite flyers.
The event will feature 50 skilled kite flyers from countries such as Indonesia, Switzerland, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada, Cambodia, Scotland, Thailand, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Italy, Taiwan, South Africa, and the Netherlands. In addition, 60 athletes from various Indian states, including Gujarat, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, will showcase their talents.
The kite festival will run daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with spectacular kite shows set to take place each day. Extensive arrangements, including tents, water stations, and children's activities, have ensured a comfortable experience for visitors.
Meanwhile, Sankranti celebrations will extend beyond the kite festival. Various events are scheduled around Hyderabad, including:
• People’s Plaza on January 14
• Sankranthi Sambaralu at Nagaratnam Naidu Farm on January 11
• Flipside Adventure Park in Nanakramguda on January 11
• AMR Kite Festival at AMR Mall from January 11-13
• DSL Kite Festival at DSL Virtue Mall on January 12
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn and is celebrated across India and beyond. The festival is a new beginning, with traditions such as kite flying, bonfires, feasts, and prayers to the Sun god.
In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti is celebrated over four days:
• Bhogi (Day 1): Bonfires and the Bhogi Pallu ceremony.
• Sankranti (Day 2): The main festival day, dedicated to Surya, the Sun god.
• Kanuma (Day 3): A day for honoring cattle with decorations and offerings.
• Mukkanuma (Day 4): A family reunion day to mark the end of the festival.
Sankranti is celebrated in various forms across India, with unique regional traditions, including kite flying, religious observances, and community gatherings.