Colourful kites fill sky as International Kite Festival kicks off in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: The city of Hyderabad is drenched in festive mood as people marked the Sankranti celebrations with Bhogi bonfire before dawn on Monday.
Sankranti, a significant harvest festival celebrated across India, marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn and is observed with traditions like kite flying, bonfires, feasts, and prayers to the Sun god. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, it is celebrated over four days with unique customs and rituals.
Sankranti, also known as Makar Sankranti, is as much about Telugu cuisine as it is for flying kites. The 7th International Kite Festival, a three-day event (January 13-15) kicked off at the Parade Grounds today. 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 festival will showcase over 100 skilled kite flyers from 17 countries and various Indian states, offering spectacular kite shows until Wednesday evening.
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.
Visitors can enjoy a comfortable experience with amenities like tents, water stations, and children's activities. Beyond the kite festival, Hyderabad will also host various Sankranti celebrations, including events at People’s Plaza, Nagaratnam Naidu Farm, Flipside Adventure Park, AMR Mall, and DSL Virtue Mall.
Traffic advisory for kite festival
If you’re heading out today, look out for traffic restrictions on roads leading to the kite festival venue. You may also follow the real-time traffic updates on the official social media channels of the Hyderabad Traffic Police on Facebook (@Hyderabad Traffic Police) and X (@HYDP).
- Vehicles travelling from the rotary crossroad towards SBH will be diverted at YMCA towards Clock tower
- Vehicular traffic from Rasoolpura towards Plaza will be redirected at CTO cross roads towards Balamrai
- Motorists coming from Picket heading to SBH and Tivoli will be diverted at Sweekar Upkar towards YMCA
- Vehicles from NCC travelling towards Plaza will be routed at Tivoli towards Brookbond
- Visitors can enter Parade Grounds through gate number 1 and the East Gate