Sankranti festival in Hyderabad

Who knew Hyderabad has tourist attractions?  Certainly not me, as I have been here three times and never found the time to see much more than just my hotel and the airport. 

Yesterday was the Sankranti festival, which is a harvest festival that marks the unofficial start of spring.  Traditionally, people take the day off work and fly kites to mark the occasion.  I feel like there's always a festival when I come to India, but I enjoy every chance I get to experience the local culture - especially when this involves being outside in short sleeves while my friends in the US are suffering through the coldest weather in three decades.  

Unfortunately, we were not able to take the entire day off, but the local team suggested finishing a few hours early so we could drive into town and see some sites.  We first stopped at the Qutb Shahi Tombs, which were built by five generations of former kings.  (Hyderabad even had kings - another surprise!)  These grand structures dotted the landscape and existed for the sole purpose of housing the remains of the former rulers.  The outside structures were all elaborately designed but the interiors were basically empty (with the exception of the cement caskets in the center). 

Exterior of one of the tombs

Some caskets were decorated with material and flowers

Of course I had to document myself there

Plenty of beautiful views

One of the buildings had a staircase leading to nothing, so obviously I considered it to be a good photo op.  What I didn’t expect was that while my colleagues were snapping my picture, I would attract quite a crowd that also seemed interested in taking pictures of a complete stranger looking foolish (me).  I immediately had flashbacks to China, where I often had my photo taken by complete strangers. 

Some strangers also have this picture...

Once we had spent enough time roaming through the tombs, we set off for the next destination: Golkonda Fort.  The streets immediately surrounding the fort were much more narrow and crowded.  I noticed many women with their heads covered and Islamic flags proudly displayed in front of the homes.  Kids were riding around on bicycles - also displaying flags.  Even in the middle east, people are not so outwardly religious, so I asked if this was also part of the kite festival.

The driver informed us that January 14 also happens to be the birthday of Prophet Muhammed, which explains all the religious celebrations.  I never knew that India had such a significant Muslim population, but this day out showed me a different side of India than I had ever encountered before.  It felt like a fusion of cultures. 

Kids out on the streets for the other celebration

Lots of green to represent Islam and paradise

We paid our entry fee at the fort (5 rupees for locals, 100 rupees for foreigners) and proceeded through the gates.  The fort is now in ruins, which basically just makes it a fun place for people to climb around.  (Unlike Europe, India makes no efforts to restrict people from further deteriorating the condition of historic sites).

Lots of things to climb

I also did some climbing...

No one seemed to have any information about the history of the fort, but it was still fun to roam around and enjoy the warm weather.  There is also a light & sound show at night, but we didn't bother sticking around.  

Archways were a pretty common design theme.

Our local hosts kept offering to take our pictures, so we gladly obliged

After the fort, they took us to Charminar, which is a monument/mosque that serves as the icon of the city.  Describing this area as hectic would be an understatement.  We got out of the car just briefly enough to feel the chaotic energy of the evening but I had no desire to party with all the people.  

Charminar is clearly the place to be. 

Pure chaos

It is almost difficult to know where to focus in environments like this because people are coming from all directions - by foot, bicycle, motorbike, auto rickshaw, car/taxi, and even on camels.  

If only we had brought our camels.

By this point, the sun was setting and it was time to visit the park to watch the kites.  The entire day, I noticed shops with countless kites available for sale.  These kites were not just for kids, either. People of all ages were enjoying the tradition. 

One of many shops selling kites

This kite lit up the skies...and a nearby tree. 

India is a country so rich in culture and tradition and I am extremely fortunate to have experienced yet another facet of local life.  This day of sightseeing showed me a completely different side of Hyderabad.