Mahim’s Kandil Galli sells handmade Diwali lanterns

Rows of pink, saffron and green lanterns hang from bamboo poles on L.J. Road outside Citylight Cinema in Mahim West, where Kandil Galli’s makers are selling akash kandils for Diwali.

About 16 artisan families from the nearby Kavle Wadi and Kadri Wadi clusters make and sell the lanterns on the lane. Families say the trade dates to the late 1940s. A small paper star costs Rs 90, while large fabric lanterns cost up to Rs 2,200.

Deepak Kore, a fourth-generation lantern maker, said work begins after Ganeshotsav, with families making the pieces at night and on weekends alongside their regular jobs. This season, makers have introduced kandils using khan saree fabric. Lanterns printed with “Swami”, referring to Swami Samarth, are also selling quickly, he said.

The handmade pieces cost more than plastic alternatives, partly because paper and bamboo prices have risen, sellers said. They added that fabric lanterns can last four to five Diwalis.