- Month
- February (sometimes into March)
- Duration
- About five days
- Location
- Hyderabad
- Highlights
- Ghazals, qawwali, mushaira, pearl and craft fair, food festival
When it happens
The festival is usually held in February, sometimes running into early March, and lasts about five days. Exact dates change each year, so check the tourism department's announcement before you book. Winter weather in Hyderabad is dry and mild at this time, which makes the outdoor events and the fair pleasant to enjoy late into the evening.
How it is celebrated
Evenings are given to performance. Ghazal singers, qawwali groups and mushaira poetry gatherings reflect the Urdu literary tradition of Hyderabad, while dance and music shows give a stage to both established and young artists. Streets and venues are lit up for the occasion.
The fair is as much of a draw as the stage. Hyderabad has long been known for pearls, and the stalls sell loose pearls and pearl jewellery alongside lac bangles, embroidered textiles and other handicrafts.
Food
A food festival runs alongside the cultural events, serving Hyderabadi and Andhra dishes. Expect biryani, haleem-style dishes and kebabs from the city's kitchens, as well as spicy Andhra meals and sweets. Go hungry and try small portions from several stalls. Vegetarian options are easy to find, and many stalls also sell packed sweets and pickles to take home.
Where to see it
All events take place in Hyderabad, with venues spread across the city. Combine the festival with visits to Charminar, the bazaars around it, Golconda Fort and the Salar Jung Museum. Hotels in the city fill up during the festival week, so book your stay early. We can arrange a Hyderabad itinerary around the festival dates.
Where to experience it
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