Hyderabad Basks in Sweetness as International Sweet Festival 2026 Ends

Under the leadership of the Telangana State Tourism and Culture Department and in collaboration with Culture Language Indian Connections , Hyderabad hosted the International Sweet Festival–2026 for three days. Held from January 13 to 15 at the Secunderabad Parade Grounds, the festival drew a huge response from city residents. The simultaneous organization of the International Kite Festival added a unique attraction, making the event even more special.

The festival was inaugurated by Telangana Tourism and Culture Minister Jupalli Krishna Rao , who emphasized that such grand events can bring at least 50% of the city’s population together. He highlighted that festivals foster friendship among people while promoting business and tourism, and described the International Kite & Sweet Festival as a prestigious program for the Telangana government.

The festival featured international and domestic kite-flying demonstrations, night kite flying, a food festival, and the International Sweet Festival. Cultural programs reflecting the traditions of various Indian states were also showcased. The tagline “Telangana Jaroor Hi Ana” became particularly popular among attendees.

Burr Venkatesham , Chairman of the Telangana Public Service Commission and C-LIC , praised India as a model of unity in diversity, where differences in clothing, cuisine, and languages bring the nation together. He noted that Indian cuisine is recognized worldwide and that sweets hold a special place in Indian culture, which inspired the launch of the International Sweet Festival in 2017. Abhijeet Bhattacharya , C-LIC founding trustee, described Hyderabad as a “melting pot” of cultures, with the Sweet Festival symbolizing the city’s Hyderabadi Tehzeeb .

The festival also promoted women’s empowerment and national unity . Women from over 25 Indian states and 15 international communities prepared region-specific sweets and snacks, with all profits going directly to them. Over three days, cultural performances showcased India’s rich artistic heritage, and organizers reported that the festival successfully achieved its goals of women’s empowerment, cultural exchange, and national unity .