Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday inaugurated the
fourth International Kite Festival and Second International Sweet Festival,
organised by the Telangana government as a part of
Sankranthi celebrations, at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.
While speaking
on the occasion, Naidu said that festivals are occasions for social bonding and
inculcate a spirit of communal harmony and national integrity. "They symbolise
renewal, rejuvenation, and revival of our traditions and heritage and bring in
the sense of togetherness, unity, love and brotherhood in today's fast-paced
world," he added.
Calling Makar Sankranthi a "celebration of life and
vitality," he said, "These festivals hold great historical and
religious significance. It is the festival of Sun God who is often regarded as the
symbol divinity and wisdom. Those who celebrate this occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making revel in
anticipation and joy."
He also urged
the younger generation to understand the rich and diverse traditions ingrained
in Indian festivals and called for protecting, promoting and enriching India's
"exceptional" culture and folk art forms.
Referring to
the display of 1200 sweets from different countries at the Sweet Festival, he
further said that sweets symbolize the sweet happenings in life and hold a
place of great prominence in Indian culinary tradition.
B Venkatesham, Secretary of Telangana Tourism & Culture, said
that around 42 professional Kyte fliers from around 20 countries and many
others from India participated by flying huge Kytes.
Moreover, sweets from 20 countries and from 25 Indian states were displayed at
the Sweet Festival.
Venkatesham
also said that around three to four lakh people are expected to attend the
festival every day, adding that all arrangements have been made this year to
accommodate the masses.
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