Paper lanterns and Akash Kandil: How to make your own in 30 minutes

Creating your own Diwali decorations, such as colorful paper lanterns and Akash Kandil, can turn into an enjoyable family project. Utilizing basic materials like colored paper, glue, and scissors allows everyone to participate. These handcrafted items not only add a special charm to your celebrations but also promote eco-friendliness. Involving children in the crafting process brings an extra dose of happiness to the festivities and strengthens family bonds. Prepare to illuminate your Diwali with a splash of color and eco-friendliness by making your own paper lanterns and Akash Kandil. Gather evryone for this joyous crafting experience, utilizing simple supplies to add a personal flair to your home this Diwali.Paper lanternPaper lanterns are quite delicate, and the light that comes through them is soft and warm. To make them, all you need is a pencil, coloured paper, an eraser, glue and a pen-style paper knife.Firstly, fold two A4-size sheets of cardstock in half and then stick them together to form a cuboid. The third sheet of cardstock needs to be cut into square shapes to cover the top and bottom of this cuboid. This is the basic layout, and based on the changes in dimensions and the designs you make on the side panels, you get a different paper lantern each time.Open up the A4-size cardstock sheets that you had folded and draw the cut-out designs on the panels with a pencil. Stick a piece of tissue paper behind each cut-out. Fold and stick the four panels together to make a tall box with a square base. Cut two squares from separate sheets of cardstock and stick one on each side. Stick the bottom one with tape like a flap so you can open it to slip the light inside and finally make a paper lantern.You can vary the lantern design by changing the cut-out patterns. Instead of cutting out a plain big rectangle, cut out patterns or designs, and I am sure you will not stop making these lanterns. You can vary the pattern and create different lanterns of your choice.Making an Akash KandilAn Akash Kandil, which may also be spelled as Akash Kandeel, is a vibrant and traditional decorative lantern that is elegantly hung outside homes during the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali. This ritual is particularly significant in the state of Maharashtra and is widely celebrated across various regions of India. The Akash Kandil holds a special place in the Diwali festivities in Maharashtra, as this custom has been integrated into family and community celebrations for many generations. While other regions in India partake in illuminating diyas (traditional earthen lamps) and setting off fireworks, Maharashtra has embraced the sky lantern as a distinctive hallmark of the festival. In both urban areas and rural villages, families come together on rooftops and in open spaces to collectively release these beautiful lanterns into the night sky, resulting in a breathtaking spectacle of numerous lights ascending into the dark.To make the Akash Kandil, you need some tissue paper or butter paper, preferably butter paper because it will allow the light to glow through and is stronger than tissue paper.Now, let's see how you can make a large five-pointed star on a thin card, about 25-39 cm wide. On each of them, cut a few windows or small shapes, then stick tissue paper behind them in different colours. Cut five strips of card, four centimetres wide, and fold a small tab at both ends.This year, rather than heading directly to the market to buy decorations, take a moment to grab a pair of scissors along with some vibrant coloured sheets. Engage in the creative process of making your very own DIY Diwali decorations. By opting for this thoughtful approach, you can significantly reduce your consumption and minimize waste by avoiding any unnecessary purchases that typically accompany the festive season.Here's an additional tip to consider: If you’re feeling particularly creative and would like to try something special, think about skipping the use of basic shapes or perhaps incorporating a delightful strip of gold or silver paper along the edges. Furthermore, you could enhance your Akash Kandil or paper lanterns by gluing tiny, charming paper flowers to them. For the Akash Kandil specifically, why not tie a fancy tassel or a few colorful strands of thread to each point of the star? This will create a lovely effect as they sway gently in the breeze. Additionally, a string of small beads or even a marigold garland could be added to embellish the bottom of the decoration. Don’t stop at just making one; encourage your children to join in the festive spirit! Together, you can create multiple decorations to beautifully adorn various parts of your home.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ testGet the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.