A 35-foot Lord Hanuman kite will be the main attraction at the kite festival.
Hyderabad: From the vibrant International Kite & Sweet Festival to a cutting-edge Drone Show, the Telangana government will host a series of events in January 2026 to highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage and growing technological prowess.
Organised as part of the Sankranthi celebrations, the events aim to boost both domestic and international tourist footfall.
The International Kite & Sweet Festival is scheduled to be held from January 13 to 15, 2026, at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, coinciding with Makar Sankranthi. The festival is designed to showcase Telangana’s traditions, culture, and festive spirit.
This year’s kite festival will see participation from 19 countries, including Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Korea, Japan, Portugal, Vietnam, Malaysia, Italy, Switzerland, Algeria, Singapore, Russia, Ukraine, and France. Overall, around 40 international kite flyers and 55 national participants from 15 Indian states are expected to take part.
Special night-flying kite shows are scheduled on all three days of the festival, allowing visitors to witness an impressive display of large-format and intricately designed kites.
In addition to kite flying, a series of cultural programmes showcasing traditional Telangana art forms will be held. The venue will also feature around 100 handloom and handicraft stalls, along with 60 food courts serving authentic Telangana cuisine and a variety of regional delicacies.
International Sweets Festival
As part of the festivities, the International Sweets Festival will be organised in association with Culture Language Indian Connections (CLIC). The event will showcase over 1,200 varieties of sweets.
These delicacies will be prepared in homes by Hyderabad residents who trace their roots to different Indian states and countries, celebrating the city’s multicultural fabric and shared culinary heritage.
Hot Air Balloon Festival (January 16–18)
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Hot Air Balloon Festival (January 16–18, 2026)
The Hot Air Balloon Festival will be held from January 16 to 18, 2026, featuring 15 international-standard hot air balloons arriving from various European countries.
Morning ballooning sessions will be conducted at select locations on the outskirts of Hyderabad, while evening sessions will be held at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad. The evening programme will include spectacular Night Glow Balloon displays, offering a visual treat for visitors.
Drone Show 2026 (January 16–17, 2026)
A special Drone Show is scheduled for January 16 and 17, 2026, at Gachibowli Stadium. The event will feature high-technology drones equipped with multi-colour LED lighting performing synchronised aerial manoeuvres.
According to the Department of Tourism, the drone show is designed to highlight India’s journey from rich cultural heritage to modern technological innovation in aerial sports. Key attractions include an LED-lit racecourse across the stadium field, FPV (First Person View) drone racing with live video feeds displayed on giant screens, drone soccer demonstrations, and aerial visuals showcasing major tourist destinations across Telangana.
The Department of Tourism expects the series of events to draw significant domestic and international tourist footfall, while providing a vibrant platform to promote Telangana’s culture, crafts, cuisine, and emerging technology-driven entertainment.
