The International Kite Festival 2026 is one of the most awaited cultural events in Hyderabad, bringing together tradition, celebration, and global participation. As part of the city’s vibrant Sankranti festivities, the festival will be held from January 13 to January 15, 2026, at the Parade Grounds, Secunderabad. Every year, this event transforms Hyderabad’s skyline into a colorful spectacle, attracting kite flyers, families, tourists, and culture enthusiasts from across India and abroad.
If you are searching for International Kite Festival 2026 dates and venue, this detailed guide covers everything you need to know — from event timings and attractions to travel tips and festival highlights.
International Kite Festival 2026: Dates & Venue (Quick Details)
International Kite Festival 2026 Dates: January 13 to January 15, 2026
International Kite Festival Venue: Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana
Occasion: Sankranti Festival
Special Attraction: Drone Festival on January 13 & 14, 2026
Entry Fee: Expected to be free (official confirmation awaited)
What is the International Kite Festival?
The International Kite Festival is a large-scale cultural and tourism event that celebrates the age-old tradition of kite flying. While kite flying has been an integral part of Sankranti celebrations in South India for generations, Hyderabad’s International Kite Festival elevates this tradition by inviting international kite flyers, artists, and cultural groups.
Over the years, the festival has grown beyond kite flying to include:
Traditional sweet stalls
Cultural performances
Art and craft displays
Family-friendly activities
The festival symbolizes joy, unity, and the spirit of celebration, making it one of the most popular annual events in Hyderabad.
International Kite Festival Hyderabad: A Key Sankranti Attraction
The International Kite Festival Hyderabad has become a signature event during Sankranti. Unlike rooftop kite flying seen across the city, this festival offers a grand, organized platform where visitors can witness professionally designed kites, synchronized flying displays, and artistic kite shapes from different cultures.
Held annually in January, the festival aligns perfectly with Sankranti holidays, making it a favorite outing for families, students, and tourists visiting Hyderabad during this time.
Why Parade Grounds, Secunderabad is the Venue
The Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, is one of Hyderabad’s most prominent open spaces and an ideal venue for hosting the International Kite Festival. The venue is selected for several reasons:
Vast open area suitable for large crowds
Clear sky space ideal for kite flying
Excellent connectivity by road, rail, and metro
Proximity to Secunderabad Railway Station
Established infrastructure for large public events
Search queries like “International Kite Festival Parade Grounds” and “International Kite Festival venue Hyderabad” are common, highlighting the importance of this location.
International Kite Festival 2026 Highlights
The International Kite Festival 2026 in Hyderabad promises a rich mix of traditional and modern attractions:
1. International Kite Flying Displays
Kite flyers from various Indian states and other countries participate in the festival, showcasing unique kite designs, patterns, and flying techniques. Giant kites, artistic kites, and themed kites are major crowd-pullers.
2. Traditional Sweet Festival
As Sankranti is closely associated with sweets, the festival includes stalls offering:
Ariselu
Pootharekulu
Bobbatlu
Sunnundalu
Til and jaggery-based sweets
These stalls give visitors a taste of Telangana’s culinary heritage.
3. Cultural Performances
Folk dances, music performances, and cultural programs reflect Telangana’s traditions and add festive charm to the International Kite Festival.
Drone Festival at International Kite Festival 2026
Adding a modern dimension, a Drone Festival will be organised on January 13 and January 14, 2026, alongside the International Kite Festival.
What to Expect from the Drone Festival:
Drone light shows
Coordinated aerial formations
Technology-driven visual storytelling
This unique combination of traditional kite flying and advanced drone displays makes the International Kite Festival 2026 stand out among Indian cultural festivals.
Government Initiative & Tourism Promotion
According to multiple news reports, Telangana government officials have stated that the International Kite Festival 2026 aims to promote Telangana’s tourism potential on both national and international platforms.
An interdepartmental coordination meeting was held to ensure smooth execution of the event. The meeting was chaired by Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary to the Government, Youth Advancement, Tourism and Culture Department.
The focus areas include:
Visitor safety and crowd management
International participation
Tourism promotion
Cultural representation of Telangana
Why International Kite Festival is Important for Hyderabad
The International Kite Festival plays a significant role in Hyderabad’s cultural and tourism calendar:
Enhances Hyderabad’s global cultural image
Encourages international tourism during Sankranti
Promotes local artisans and sweet makers
Offers a family-friendly festive environment
Strengthens Telangana’s cultural identity
The festival also supports local businesses, vendors, and tourism-related services.
How to Reach International Kite Festival Venue
By Train
Nearest Station: Secunderabad Junction (approx. 2 km)
Easily accessible by auto, cab, or bus
By Metro
Parade Grounds / Secunderabad Metro stations nearby
By Road
TSRTC buses
App-based cabs
Ample road connectivity from all parts of Hyderabad
Best Time to Visit International Kite Festival 2026
Morning hours: Best for kite flying displays
Evening hours: Cultural programs and festive atmosphere
Drone Festival: Evening shows on Jan 13 & 14
Weekends and Sankranti holidays are expected to be crowded, so early visits are recommended.
Tips for Visitors
Carry hats or caps for daytime visits
Stay hydrated
Keep children under supervision
Follow safety guidelines issued by authorities
Carry cash for local food stalls
International Kite Festival 2026 FAQs
When is the International Kite Festival 2026?
The festival will be held from January 13 to January 15, 2026.
Where is the International Kite Festival held?
At Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, Hyderabad.
Is the International Kite Festival free to attend?
Entry is usually free, but official announcements should be checked closer to the event.
What is special about the 2026 edition?
The inclusion of a Drone Festival on January 13 and 14, 2026.
Is the festival suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family-friendly event with activities for all age groups.
Final Thoughts
The International Kite Festival 2026 in Hyderabad is more than just an event — it is a celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation. With clearly announced dates (January 13–15, 2026) and a central venue at Parade Grounds, Secunderabad, the festival is expected to be one of the biggest Sankranti attractions in Telangana.
Whether you are a local resident or a tourist visiting Hyderabad during Sankranti, the International Kite Festival is a must-visit event that promises color-filled skies, cultural richness, and unforgettable memories.