Hyderabad’s Mega Carnival: The International Kite & Sweet Festival 2026

A complete guide to today’s Bhogi celebrations, global kite displays, and the upcoming drone and balloon shows.

Since today is Tuesday, January 13, 2026, you are right at the kickoff of the major festival week in Hyderabad! Here is your guide to what’s happening today.

Today’s Main Event: International Kite & Sweet Festival

This is the primary event active today. It transforms the city into a colorful hub of tradition and food.

Venue: Parade Grounds, Secunderabad.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Entry is generally free).

What to Expect Today: * The Kite Show: International flyers from over 40 countries (including the UK, France, and Singapore) are already at the grounds with giant, inflatable, and high-tech kites. The Sweet Festival: Over 1,200 varieties of sweets are available. These aren’t just from local shops—they are made by people from different communities living in Hyderabad, representing almost every Indian state and several international cultures.

Cultural Evenings: Starting around 6:00 PM today, there will be folk dance performances organized by the Telangana Tourism Department.

Bhogi Celebrations (Festival of Renewal)

Today is also Bhogi, the first day of the four-day Sankranti festival.

Morning Ritual: Many neighborhoods started the day with the Bhogi Mantalu (traditional bonfires) before sunrise.

Atmosphere: You’ll see colorful Muggulu (Rangoli) with Gobbemma (cow dung balls decorated with flowers) in front of almost every home.

Local Tip: If you’re looking for authentic festive food, try to find Bhogi Pallu rituals in residential colonies where fruits and coins are showered over children in the evening.

Update on Drones & Hot Air Balloons

While these are part of the "Sankranti 2026" series, they aren’t fully active today. Here is the revised schedule from the latest announcements:

Event Date Location Key Detail Drone Festival Jan 16 – 17 Gachibowli Stadium Drone soccer and light shows. Hot Air Balloon Fest Jan 16 – 18 Parade Grounds Evening "Night Glow" shows.

Travel Tip: Use the Hyderabad Metro. For Parade Grounds, you can take the Blue Line (Paradise Station) or the Green Line (JBS Parade Ground Station) to avoid the heavy traffic expected for Bhogi and the Kite Fest.