India’s 1st Tomato festival held in Hyderabad: Trending reels, reactions
Hyderabad – In a splashy and unexpected turn of events, India’s first-ever Tomato Festival was held in Hyderabad over the weekend, drawing massive crowds, influencers, and curiosity-seekers. Inspired by Spain’s famous La Tomatina, the festival saw participants engage in a wild, messy celebration by throwing over 25 tonnes of ripe tomatoes at each other.
Held at a private resort on the city outskirts, the event quickly went viral on Instagram and YouTube, with reels showcasing tomato fights, laughter, and energetic dance-offs amid red pulp chaos. Many dubbed it the “Desi La Tomatina,” with hashtags like #TomatoFestIndia and #HyderabadGoesRed trending nationwide.
Organizers claimed the tomatoes used were those unfit for market sale and would have gone to waste otherwise. However, the festival stirred mixed reactions. While the youth welcomed it as a fun break from routine, some locals and farmers raised concerns about food wastage in a country where inflation on vegetables, including tomatoes, has often been a hot topic.
Celebrities from Telugu cinema and popular content creators also made surprise appearances, fueling the hype. Police provided tight security, and safety rules were enforced, including protective eyewear for participants.
“This was insane! We need this kind of madness once in a while,” said Meghana, a college student who traveled from Warangal to attend.
On the flip side, activist groups questioned the ethical angle. “India is not Spain. When millions are struggling with food access, is this really the celebration we need?” questioned a representative from a local NGO.
Despite the criticism, the event achieved what many festivals dream of: going truly viral. From reels and shorts to Twitter debates and political satire, the tomato bash became the weekend’s top trend.
Whether it becomes an annual tradition or a one-time viral sensation, Hyderabad’s Tomato Festival has definitely left a stain — of red, fun, and controversy — on India’s event calendar.
