Drone pilots from across India join Hyderabad’s Sankranti celebrations, bringing a high-tech edge to the sky.
Hyderabad’s Skyline to Transform: International Kite, Balloon, and Drone Festivals Announced for Sankranti
In a bold move to blend heritage with innovation, the Telangana Tourism Department has unveiled a spectacular lineup for next month’s Sankranti. The skies over Hyderabad will host a triple-threat of festivities: an International Kite Festival, a majestic Hot Air Balloon show, and a cutting-edge Drone Festival. By bringing together traditional kite flyers and expert drone pilots from across the nation, the city is set to offer a unique bridge between ancient customs and modern technology.
Hyderabad’s Skies to Host Triple Celebration: International Kites, Balloons, and Drones this Sankranti
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Tourism Department has unveiled an ambitious lineup for the upcoming Sankranti festivities, featuring a blend of traditional heritage and modern technology. According to V. Kranti, Managing Director of the Tourism Department, the city will host three major festivals simultaneously to boost tourism and celebrate the harvest season.
- International Kite & Sweet Festival: Scheduled for January 13–15 at the Parade Grounds, Secunderabad. It will feature expert kite flyers from across the globe and a showcase of regional sweets.
- Drone Festival: Taking place on January 13–14 (coinciding with Drone Day), featuring national pilots showcasing cutting-edge aerial skills.
- Hot Air Balloon Festival: Set for January 16–18 on the city’s outskirts, offering visitors a unique aerial perspective and a grand visual spectacle.
HYDERABAD: Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday to finalize preparations for the upcoming Sankranti festivities. Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, the Chief Secretary emphasized that the International Kite Festival must be organized on a grand scale to showcase Hyderabad’s rich cultural heritage.
To ensure the event achieves global visibility, Rao instructed departments to develop a unique brand identity, including a distinctive name and an attractive logo. The strategy aims to position the festival as a premier destination on the international tourism calendar.
HYDERABAD: In a significant shift of venue strategy, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has directed that the upcoming Sankranti festivities—including the kite and drone displays—be hosted at lakes recently rejuvenated by HYDRAA. The move aims to showcase the city’s successful environmental restoration efforts alongside traditional celebrations.
To ensure seamless execution, a high-level coordination team has been formed. The GHMC, HMDA, and HYDRAA have each been tasked with appointing a dedicated officer to supervise site-specific arrangements. Following a review meeting led by Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao, it was announced that State Ministers will begin on-site inspections in the first week of January to ensure the venues are festival-ready.
The Telangana Government is set to transform the city’s rejuvenated landscapes into festive hubs this January. Following a presentation by HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, Chief Secretary K. Ramakrishna Rao confirmed that the upcoming International Kite, Drone, and Balloon festivals will serve as a showcase for the city’s restored water bodies.
The Chief Secretary has issued a mandate for “total departmental synergy,” ensuring that the GHMC, HMDA, and HYDRAA work in lockstep to deliver a seamless experience. The festivals are designed to highlight how restored tanks and lakes have evolved into sustainable public utilities and prime cultural venues.
