Celebrate #LocalWaliDiwali with Mumbai's Rang Gandh Creation's Khun Diwali Lanterns

Diwali means Roshni (lights), Mithai (sweets), Diwali Pahat (musical events at dawn) and most importantly, Diwali Kandil (lanterns) that light up your home! A Kandil is a decorative lantern made of a wooden frame covered in coloured cloth or paper, typically hung outside homes during Diwali. Known in Sanskrit as "Akasha Deepa" (lantern of the sky), these lanterns were historically used to invite ancestral spirits to join the festivities, symbolising a connection between the earthly and the celestial. While there are several types of lanterns you can buy at your local shops, markets or even online, they are usually plastic, paper or just plain boring. For many, finding the right Diwali Kandil is a challenge. And that’s how Local Samosa found Rang Gandh Creation. They make Diwali lanterns from heritage fabrics like Paithani, Khun, Ikat and more!

#LocalWaliDiwali

Local Samosa’s #LocalWaliDiwali series puts a spotlight on India’s rich heritage of arts, crafts, and handicrafts, along with the local mom-and-pop stores that have been serving their communities for generations. This initiative celebrates the perfect blend of tradition and innovation, focusing on the most promising local stores that are at the heart of their cities, known for reviving traditional Indian crafts across various categories.

This Diwali, through this series, we are committed to showcasing the best local artists, craftsmen, and small businesses that preserve Indian heritage through their products. By putting these gems on the map, we aim to connect them with people beyond their city, giving these local businesses the visibility, boost, and clientele they deserve.

History & Significance of Khun

Khun sarees originated in the 8th century during the Chalukya Dynasty in Karnataka, initially used as offerings in Guledgudda village, and have become cherished garments among women in Maharashtra and North Karnataka. The intricate craftsmanship involves a meticulous weaving process that can take up to 15 days for 200 metres of fabric, using dyed cotton and silk yarns and characterised by jewel tones and detailed motifs. Similar to Banarasi fabric, Khun is a lightweight brocade known for its striking designs and vibrant pallu patterns, and it received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2016, highlighting its cultural significance.

Modern Revival: Indian Heritage Fabric Lanterns

With the festive season upon us, Indian heritage fabrics like Khun and more find a way into outfits and wardrobes. However, with the latest trends of Indo-western clothing picks and comfort over anything else, we are slowly distancing ourselves from these heritage arts, crafts and handicrafts. And it’s quick and easy to simply order a lantern from an e-commerce giant. But how about going back to the roots with something that truly is a gem for Diwali?

That’s when new-age entrepreneurs and small homegrown brands have come up with creative solutions to not only preserve Indian heritage arts, crafts and handicrafts, but turn them into beautiful, functional items. One such product is these fabric lanterns made from Paithani, Khun and Ikat art in traditional forms. This Diwali, swap the dime-a-dozen plastic Kandils and lanterns for these traditional fabric ones that hold history and charm which continues to add light to your homes! 

Rang Gandh Creation

If you're on the lookout for Kandils that combine festive sparkle with traditional Indian craftsmanship, Rang Gandh Creation brings exactly that. Founded in 2021 by Akshay Gupta, Shruti Pore, and Pallavi—all graduates from the prestigious Sir JJ School of Art—the brand emerged from a shared desire to bridge artistic heritage with modern festive décor.

In conversation with Local Samosa, co-founder Akshay Gupta said, “We observed a growing shift towards mass-produced, plastic, and imported decorative products, especially during Diwali—one of India’s most cherished festivals. To preserve our cultural heritage and promote eco-friendly practices, we decided to craft lanterns using traditional handwoven fabrics.”

Rang Gandh Creation’s signature product is its range of fabric Kandils made using rich Indian textiles like Paithani, Khun, and Ikat. These lanterns are handcrafted in the traditional Maharashtrian style, with a sturdy wooden internal frame. A layer of butter paper is added inside each lantern to protect the fabric from the heat of the bulb and to diffuse the light evenly, giving the Kandils a soft glow.

While paper lanterns can be delicate and prone to tearing, these fabric versions are designed to be durable and reusable. The outer body is adorned with traditional laces, making each piece visually rich while also celebrating heritage textiles. According to Akshay, “Most of our textiles are handwoven and locally sourced from traditional weavers,” with materials personally selected from Mumbai’s Crawford and Bhuleshwar markets.

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What also sets them apart is their focus on affordability. Akshay explains, “We base our pricing on the cost of production with a minimal profit margin. It’s important to us that our products remain affordable to middle-class families while maintaining quality craftsmanship.” Prices start at Rs. 650, with more detailed pieces ranging between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 2,000.

The 2025 Diwali collection features new styles, including digitally printed fabrics and full Khun fabric Kandils. “This year, we are introducing an exclusive range of full Khun lanterns featuring intricate lotus cut-outs, symbolising purity and light,” Akshay shared.

The brand has steadily grown in popularity. While they initially focused on delivering across Maharashtra, they now cater to orders from other Indian states and international clients. “There has been a noticeable rise in international demand,” Akshay noted. “Customers now actively seek handcrafted and eco-friendly décor, which aligns perfectly with our brand philosophy.”

Each product is a result of collaboration. “Our entire team contributes creatively and technically, making every product a reflection of our collective artistry,” said Akshay. While their base remains small and hands-on, their ambition is expanding. In addition to festive lanterns, Rang Gandh Creation is launching a new line of scented candles this year. “We intend to explore new décor products and handcrafted ornaments made from resin,” he added.

Customisation is available—whether it's adjusting colours, scaling up for larger sizes, or placing bulk orders. Delivery is offered across Maharashtra and beyond.

With its focus on heritage textiles, eco-conscious production, and artistic detail, Rang Gandh Creation is offering more than just Diwali décor—it’s keeping culture and craft at the heart of the celebration.

Where: Byculla, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Contact: 8291465282 / 9004395794

Want us to feature any local stores or artists who are preserving and rejuvenating Indian arts, crafts and handicrafts? Then write to us at content@localsamosa.com!