Hyderabad's Parade Ground Comes Alive with International Kite Festival
The Parade Ground in Hyderabad buzzed with vibrant energy from Tuesday to Thursday as the International Kite Festival soared into action. This three-day celebration brought together nearly one hundred participants representing nineteen different countries and fifteen Indian states. It created a truly global community of kite lovers, ranging from expert flyers to curious beginners.
A Sky Filled with Color and Craft
Massive and brilliantly colored kites danced gracefully in the wind throughout the event. The horizon transformed into a swirling kaleidoscope, showcasing diverse cultural artistry and skilled craftsmanship. The sight captivated everyone present, turning the sky into a living canvas.
International Visitors Share Their Joy
Ricky and Jo, a couple from Melbourne, Australia, expressed their deep affection for Hyderabad. This visit marked their third time attending the festival in the city. They explained, "We love returning to Hyderabad because of the wonderful people here. They enjoy taking photos with us and our kites, which makes the whole experience incredibly fun. We are simply happy to meet people and connect with the locals."
Gadis Widiyati from Singapore has flown kites for over three decades. She has visited India multiple times in the past twenty-five years. "Each year, I come to India two or three times for kite festivals. Whenever I receive an invitation, I always say yes because I truly like India," she stated. Speaking about her lifelong passion, she added, "I started flying kites when I was ten years old. Although it was not considered a game for girls back then, I never understood why; I just loved it. I really enjoy seeing a kite fly high. It feels like therapy, especially during stressful times."
Families and First-Timers Embrace the Experience
Andre, an Italian kite enthusiast, shared his family's journey. "I have been flying kites for more than thirty-five years, and my wife, Sabrina, for around twenty. We have two daughters who also build kites and are learning to fly them. This is our first time flying in Hyderabad, and the experience has been truly wonderful. We have enjoyed it immensely."
Donna Taylor from Canada returned to Hyderabad for her third year at the festival. She described her unique approach, "Even when I am not flying the kites, I place them in front of fans so people can see how they would look in the sky. Overall, my experience of kite flying in India has been wonderful."
The Energy of Kite Flying
Kanwalpreet Singh, an actor and kite flyer from Punjab, reflected on his travels. "Our passion for kites has taken us across India and to countries like China and Indonesia, but there is something special about being back in Hyderabad. To me, kite flying is pure energy; you feel it through the ground, the shift of the wind, and the electric atmosphere of the crowd." This year, his team flew a spectacular fifty-metre snake kite alongside a vibrant rainbow, a dragon, and even Shin-chan kites.
The festival successfully united people from diverse backgrounds through a shared love for kites. It highlighted Hyderabad's role as a welcoming host for international cultural exchanges. The event demonstrated how simple joys like kite flying can foster global connections and local camaraderie.
