Diwali 2026: Handmade Akash Kandils Make A Comeback As Buyers Turn To Traditional Decor
Four days before Diwali, the stretch of L.J. Road outside Citylight Cinema in Mahim West stays bright long after the shops around it pull down their shutters. hexagon-shaped lanterns in pink, saffron and green hang in rows from bamboo poles, their paper tails moving in the evening breeze. Families from Andheri, Bandra and Thane walk the lane slowly, holding two lanterns side by side before they…
During the week leading up to Diwali, a stretch of L.J. Road in Mahim West sparkles with handmade lanterns called Kandil. These hexagon-shaped lanterns in pink, saffron and green sway gently in the evening breeze, hanging from bamboo poles. Locals and visitors alike meander along the lane, known as Kandil Galli, stopping to examine the lanterns. This tradition dates back to the late 1940s when a group of Marathi artisans began crafting and selling paper and bamboo lanterns from makeshift stalls.
Today, around 16 Marathi artisan families continue this craft. A small paper star lantern costs Rs 90, while a larger fabric lantern can be purchased for Rs 2,200. However, in recent years, cheaper plastic and thermocol lanterns have dominated the market, pushing handmade items to the back. This year, buyers are more discerning, asking two questions before inquiring about the price: who made the lantern, and what is it made of.
Deepak Kore, a fourth-generation maker and seller on the lane, explains that the production process begins as soon as Ganeshotsav ends. Families work in their front rooms, transforming them into workshops filled with scissors, glue, colored paper, and bamboo strips. With multiple generations involved, the lanterns are crafted in the evenings and on weekends.
This season, some artisans have introduced a new design using khan (a traditional Maharashtrian brocade) saree fabric. Lanterns printed with the name "Swami," dedicated to the saint Swami Samarth, are proving popular. The cost of materials has increased, with lanterns reflecting the higher prices.
Ankit Choudhary, a 31-year-old visitor to Mahim, explained that he used to buy plastic lanterns that would last only one Diwali before fading in the sun. This year, he chose a paper star lantern from a family with decades of experience, appreciating the assurance of a handmade product. Many buyers now prioritize knowing the origin of their purchases, aligning with a national trend.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) reported that 87 percent of buyers prefer Indian-made goods after last Diwali, with demand for Chinese festive products declining sharply.
Beyond the lantern lane, new businesses have emerged to keep the craft alive year-round. In Byculla, Rang Gandh Creation, founded by Sir JJ School of Art graduates, creates lanterns from traditional fabrics like Paithani, Khun, and Ikat, stretched over wooden frames. These lanterns cost between Rs 650 to Rs 2,000 and are shipped to buyers across India and internationally.
Similarly, Heramb Arts in Thane, founded by Kailas Desale, has been operating for 26 years, crafting lanterns from jute, bamboo, fabric, paper, and wood. The company employs hearing-impaired individuals in its production, and its designs change annually based on Thane families' preferences. Lokesh Desale, a co-founder, noted that traditional shapes have regained popularity this season.
Lokesh's sister, Khushi Khaniya, 24, found her Diwali lantern online, drawn to a khan fabric one. She plans to hang it annually, emphasizing the longevity and sustainability of handmade lanterns. Deepa Kakkar, 45, chose a simple paper star lantern this year, reflecting back to her childhood when her father made lanterns from bamboo and butter paper at home.
Written by urgent.news from Free Press Journal's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
