Hyderabad Hosts the 6th International Sweet Festival
The city of Hyderabad came alive with the rich aroma of Ethiopian coffee, the sweetness of Baklava, and several Indian delicacies at the 6th International Sweet Festival. This event showcased a wide variety of homemade sweets from both national and international origins, drawing visitors from near and far.
The festival featured an impressive display of 1,100 varieties of sweets from 22 Indian states and nine countries, including Iran, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia. Local specialties from Telangana were also a significant part of the event, adding a regional touch to the global celebration.
Dr. Mamidi Harikrishna, director of the Telangana government’s Language and Culture department, explained the festival’s larger purpose. “This event highlights the cosmopolitan nature of Hyderabad,” he said. “At Parade Grounds, we are celebrating five elements of our culture. Apart from kites and sweets, cultural performances by various states, including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Kashmir, are showcasing traditional songs and dances.”
The festival provided an opportunity for homemakers to shine, as nearly all of the 740 stalls were allotted to them. The initiative aimed to bring homemade food to a broader audience, while also empowering women.
One such homemaker, Sangeeta Borkar, proudly displayed dishes from Maharashtra. “All the food items being showcased are authentic recipes from Maharashtra,” she shared. Sangeeta has been a participant for two years and was thrilled to be part of the event again.
Among the international participants were Haymi and Hiwot from Ethiopia, who have been living in Hyderabad for 16 years. They set up a coffee stall, dressed in traditional Ethiopian attire. “Serving coffee is a way of welcoming guests in our culture,” they explained. “Ethiopia is known for exporting some of the world’s finest coffee beans, like Kaffa and Sidamo. At this festival, we want people to experience how different Ethiopian coffee is from Indian coffee.”
A family from Afghanistan brought their own unique flavors to the festival. “We are showcasing special desserts like Baklava and a traditional cake. These recipes have been passed down in my family for generations,” they shared. Participating in the festival allowed them to share a piece of their heritage with Hyderabad’s diverse audience.
Homemakers from other parts of India also contributed to the celebration. Aruna Sarkar, a homemaker from West Bengal, has been participating in the festival for nine years. “Since Makar Sankranti is a festival of sweets, I decided to highlight traditional sweets from West Bengal, including Gud Rasgulla, Palm Jaggery Pancakes, and more,” she said.
The International Sweet Festival not only celebrated the diversity of sweets but also brought together cultures from around the world, making it a vibrant and flavorful event for everyone.
