The family-friendly event, tied to the Indian harvest festival of Sankranti, brought together people of all ages to fly kites, share food and celebrate a centuries-old custom from the Indian state of Telangana. Photo by Rick Sloan

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Bright kites bobbed and danced above Stone Creek Community Park on Saturday, Jan. 24, as more than 800 residents gathered for the International Kite Festival hosted by the Sacramento Telangana Association (STA), turning a winter afternoon into a joyful splash of color, culture and community.

The family-friendly event, tied to the Indian harvest festival of Sankranti, brought together people of all ages to fly kites, share food and celebrate a centuries-old custom from the Indian state of Telangana. For organizers, it was about more than recreation.

“To me, this festival is about connection,” said Sateesh Moola, speaking on behalf of the STA Board and Trustees. “It’s about connecting our children to their heritage and connecting our organization to the wonderful community of Rancho Cordova and Sacramento. Seeing the kites soar reminds us that as a community, the sky is the limit.”

Bright kites bobbed and danced above Stone Creek Community Park on Saturday, Jan. 24, as more than 800 residents gathered for the International Kite Festival hosted by the Sacramento Telangana Association. Photo by Rick Sloan

Founded in 2014, the same year Telangana became India’s youngest state, the Sacramento Telangana Association is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving cultural traditions while building bridges in its California home. Over the past decade, STA has grown from a small community group into a key contributor to the region’s multicultural calendar, hosting large-scale events such as Bathukamma, the Festival of Colors and the International Kite Festival.

The kite festival has been part of that growth story for several years, evolving from a modest gathering into a regional attraction drawing families from across Sacramento County and uniting multiple Indian nonprofit organizations under one sky.

“Our inspiration was to create a home away from home,” Moola said. “We wanted a platform where the Indian diaspora could celebrate its roots while also introducing the vibrant culture of Telangana to our neighbors here.”

The event was powered by about 25 volunteers who handled everything from logistics to helping children assemble their first kites, a highlight for many attendees. Photo by Rick Sloan

In Telangana, kite flying during Sankranti marks the sun’s transition into the Northern Hemisphere, symbolizing renewal, gratitude for the harvest and hope for brighter days ahead. Traditionally, rooftops fill with families, music and friendly competition as the sky becomes a patchwork of color.

While the setting in Rancho Cordova traded rooftops for park lawns, the spirit remained the same.

“In India, the skies are often so crowded with kites you can barely see the blue,” Moola said with a smile. “Here, we have open space and a relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere. We may miss the rooftop battles of Hyderabad, but the joy, music and food make it feel very authentic.”

That sense of openness was intentional. Organizers emphasized that the festival was designed for the entire community, not just those with cultural ties to India.

Attendees included Councilmember Siri Pulipati (second from left). Photo by Rick Sloan

“Kite flying is a social equalizer,” Moola said. “When you look at the sky, everyone is equal. Sacramento is a beautiful melting pot, and sharing our traditions helps build understanding and respect.”

The event was powered by about 25 volunteers who handled everything from logistics to helping children assemble their first kites, a highlight for many attendees.

“Seeing the joy on the children’s faces when they got their kites into the air for the first time was unforgettable,” Moola said.

The festival was made possible through partnerships with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Cordova Recreation and Park District, along with support from local businesses and community leaders. STA also acknowledged the collaboration of the Telugu Association of Greater Sacramento, the Sacramento Regional Association of Malayalees and the Kannada Sangha of Sacramento.

The kite festival has been part of that growth story for several years, evolving from a modest gathering into a regional attraction drawing families from across Sacramento County. Photo by Rick Sloan

Photographer Rick Sloan, who attended the event, said the day captured the heart of what community gatherings should be.

“It’s not just about flying a kite, it’s about families gathering and recreating in our beautiful parks,” Sloan said. “People of all ages test their kite-flying skills. It’s not always about succeeding. it’s about the effort and the challenges life presents,” Sloan said.

As a nonprofit, STA uses funds raised from such events to support year-round cultural programming, charity drives and community initiatives.

Looking ahead, organizers hope to expand the festival with additional craft stalls and live folk performances, cementing it as a signature event on Sacramento’s annual calendar.

“We want this to be a must-attend tradition,” Moola said. “Something that belongs to all of us, year after year.”

Attendees had the opportunity to get their faces painted at the event. Photo by Rick Sloan