India is having its very first annual Sky Lantern Festival in Hyderabad on March 25. The Hitex Grounds in Hyderabad is the destination for many young folk of the country. “We chose Hyderabad because this is my home town. It is also my attempt to put Hyderabad back on the global map,” says Rakesh Vanka, an organiser.
Thousands of Sky Lanterns will brighten the night sky. “This festival is an annual affair in Indonesia and the pictures of it are amazing. I have always wanted to attend it but never done so. Now, it is in my backyard, so I am definitely going to go,” says Aditya Patel, a racer from Chennai.
Attending such a festival has been on the bucket list of many youngsters. Nitin John, a student in Bengaluru says, “Seldom do we get to see so many stars shining bright in the night sky. This will be a gorgeous sight, something like never before.”
Many people are heading there with their entire family. Kunaall Jumani, a student says, “I have cousins in Hyderabad. They are excited as this is something that is coming to their city first. It will be a landmark event in Hyderabad for many years.”
It is an honour for the people of Hyderabad. Suhasini Samson, a producer in Mumbai, who is originally from Hyderabad says, “This is a big deal for a city like ours. I had done a similar act earlier in Hyderabad at the launch a lounge. It was a small affair but a pretty sight. Since this is on a bigger scale, I am sure it will be nicer.”
In the ancient times, farmers lit lanterns to thank the rain gods for a good season. Nitin says, “Traditionally, this was a way to appease the rain gods and bless the upcoming harvest season. I am looking forward to being a part of such an event.”
They aim to beat the current world record set by Indonesia. “How often do we set a world record! I have come across lanterns often and am so fascinated. This is the best way for me to take this initiative forward,” says Rakesh. The organisers have imported lanterns from China and with every ticket, people get a lantern.