Telangana to Stage Mega Drone Shows and Aerial Races at Sankranti

Telangana’s Sankranti celebrations will expand into the sky this year with a packed program of drone sport and spectacle at Gachibowli Stadium on January 16 and 17, 2026. The state government announced a lineup that blends traditional festival elements such as the International Kite & Sweets Festival and a hot-air-balloon program with organized drone events intended for both competition and family-friendly viewing.

Whoopmasters India, the event organizers, outlined a multi-part drone program that includes an aerial drone race on standardized tracks, a mid-air drone football match played between teams of four football-shaped drones, and coordinated visual flyovers designed to showcase Telangana tourism sites. The combination of competitive racing, a sport-like drone match, and promotional flyovers aims to broaden public exposure to drone capabilities while keeping the activity accessible to spectators at the stadium.

Officials emphasized that operations will comply with Directorate General of Civil Aviation safety rules and that licensed pilots will manage flights. That regulatory framing matters for local pilots and clubs who follow evolving operational standards and for spectators concerned about safety during large public events. For community groups and local vendors, the mixed-format festival presents an opportunity to reach broader audiences as drones move from niche hobby arenas into prominent festival programming.

The race format on standardized tracks signals a push toward more uniform competition conditions, which could help local pilots and teams compare performance and practice consistently. Drone football, with small teams piloting shaped craft in mid-air contests, offers a visually engaging alternative to straight-line racing and may attract younger spectators and aspiring pilots looking for team-based formats.

Practical details for attendees remain important. Verify flight timings and viewing zones with event organizers before attending, and expect stadium protocols tailored to integrate drone flight safety with large outdoor festival logistics. Licensed pilots managing flights should reduce operational risk, but proximity rules, spectator blackout periods, and restricted launch areas are likely to be in force.

The event represents a notable instance of cultural celebration intersecting with drone sport and public entertainment. By placing races and aerial shows alongside kite flying and ballooning, organizers are positioning drones as part of a broader sky-based festival tradition, while highlighting regional tourism through choreographed flyovers. For pilots, clubs, and families in Telangana, these two days in January will offer a chance to see emerging drone formats in a regulated, festival-oriented setting.