International Kites and Sweets festival
As the sun shines brightly over Hyderabad’s Parade Ground, the skies are filled with a vibrant tapestry of colourful kites. The air hums with excitement, drawing in crowds from all walks of life to the 7th edition of the International Kites and Sweets Festival. Among the many heartwarming stories unfolding at the festival is that of Wiestaw, a kite enthusiast from Poland who has been flying kites for 15 years. Ten years ago, at the International Kite Festival in Belgaum and Goa, he met Swastika Tenny, an Indonesian kite flyer.
Another highlight of the festival is the Awita Team from France. Comprising Blandine, Flopian, Sylvain, and Nico, the group has been participating in the International Kites and Sweets Festival for the past three years. “We’ve been flying kites since childhood, and every time we come to India, it feels like we’re reconnecting with a part of ourselves,” says Blandine. The team’s deep admiration for India’s culture, food, and people shines through as they eagerly share their love for the country. As the colourful kites adorned the skies, they remind us of the beauty of unity in diversity and the lasting bonds that make festival so special.
The festival is a unique opportunity to witness the passion and artistry of international and Indian kite makers coming together to celebrate a shared love of this ancient tradition. While the kites soar above, the ground is alive with energy, as a series of cultural performances add even more colour to the festival. From Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam to tribal dances and Bihu, the diverse dance forms reflect the vast cultural heritage of India.
Organised by the Department of Language and Culture and the Department of Tourism, this three-day celebration from January 13–15 is a stunning display of cultural unity, blending the spirit of five festivals — Kite Festival, Sweet Festival, Handicrafts, Cultural Fest, and Food Festival—into one grand event. Participants from 19 countries, including Poland, Italy, France, Singapore, Australia, Canada, among others have come to Hyderabad to showcase their kite-flying skills. Along with them, over 50 national kite flyers from 22 States add to the excitement, turning the skies into a breathtaking collage of shapes and colours.