Tue Jan 14 05:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Hyderabad Takes Flight: International Kite and Sweet Festival Soars
**Hyderabad, January 13, 2025** – The skies above Secunderabad’s Parade Grounds buzzed with excitement today as the seventh annual International Kite and Sweet Festival took off. Giant kites shaped like gorillas, frogs, and airplanes captivated children and adults alike as kite flyers from across India and other countries showcased their skills.
Organized by the Telangana Tourism and Culture Department, the free three-day event (January 13-15) offers a vibrant display of colorful kites alongside a wide variety of sweets, including traditional Telangana delicacies. Cultural performances further enhance the festive atmosphere. The festival runs from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily.
The festival coincides with Sankranti, boosting sales of kites and *manja* (kite string) in areas like Dhoolpet and Begum Bazaar. However, Hyderabad police are actively cracking down on the sale of dangerous Chinese *manja* (synthetic nylon string) due to its potential to cause harm to people, birds, and animals. A Swedish kite enthusiast even showcased a dragon-shaped kite at the event.
The festival is a popular family outing, offering a blend of traditional celebrations, international flair, and a colorful spectacle against the Hyderabad sky.
First Piper 