Sankranti celebrations 2026: Hyd to host spectacular sky-high festivals

The Telangana Tourism Department has announced grand plans to celebrate Sankranti 2026 on a global scale, aiming to position Hyderabad as a vibrant international tourism destination. Blending tradition, colour, cuisine, and modern technology, the state will host three major festivals in January 2026, offering visitors a unique cultural experience.

The celebrations will begin with the International Kite and Sweets Festival, to be held at the Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, during Makara Sankranti. Kite-flying experts from 19 countries, including Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Japan, France, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, and Ukraine, will participate. In total, 40 international artists and 55 national kite flyers from 15 Indian states will showcase their skills. Special night kite-flying displays over three days are expected to be a major attraction.

The festival will also feature traditional cultural performances, over 100 handloom and handicraft stalls, and 60 food courts offering Telangana specialties alongside international cuisine. A highlight will be the International Sweets Festival, displaying more than 1,200 varieties of sweets prepared by Hyderabad-based families from across the world, symbolising the city’s global cultural connect.

From January 16 to 18, Hyderabad will host the Hot Air Balloon Festival 2026. Around 15 internationally certified hot air balloons from Europe will offer early morning rides in areas around the city. In the evenings, the Parade Grounds will host a visually stunning Night Glow Balloon Show.

As part of the celebrations, kite festivals will also be organised at several revived lakes restored under the HYDRAA initiative, including Bathukamma Kunta (Bagh Amberpet), Nalla Cheruvu (Kukatpally), Thammidikunta (Madhapur) and Bam Rukn-ud-Daula Lake near the National Police Academy, Rajendranagar, highlighting the government’s focus on lake conservation.

A high-tech Drone Show 2026 will be held at Gachibowli Stadium on January 16 and 17. Using thousands of LED-lit drones, the show will feature aerial formations, FPV drone racing, drone soccer, and coordinated sky displays depicting India’s and Telangana’s journey and achievements.

With these three flagship events, the Telangana Tourism Department aims to make Sankranti 2026 a memorable global celebration, showcasing Hyderabad’s rich culture, innovation, and festive spirit to the world.