Celebrate #LocalWaliDiwali with Mumbai's Rang Gandh Creation's Paithani, Khun & Ikat 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.

Indian Heritage Fabrics: History & Significance

Paithani sarees, originating from the Satavahana dynasty around the 2nd century BCE in the textile-rich town of Paithan, are renowned for their luxurious silk and intricate motifs. Evolving through cultural influences and gaining prominence under Maratha rulers, these sarees feature traditional designs like peacocks and flowers, crafted using the 'tari' weaving technique on handlooms, often adorned with gold or silver threads. The elaborately embroidered 'pallu' highlights the weaver's skill, and on September 3, 2010, Paithani sarees were granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, solidifying their cultural significance in Indian textile heritage.

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.

Ikat is a unique resist dyeing technique used to create patterned fabrics, where specific sections of yarns are bound to prevent dye absorption before the weaving process. This method allows for intricate designs to emerge on the fabric, which can be categorised into different types: Warp Ikat, Weft Ikat, Compound Ikat, and Double Ikat, each defining which threads are dyed. The process is labour-intensive, often involving multiple dye colours and careful binding to achieve the desired patterns, resulting in a distinctive feathered edge when the yarn is woven. With a history spanning 5,000 years, ikat fabric is celebrated for its vibrant, dynamic designs and is commonly used in various textiles, adding energy and character to interiors.

Modern Revival: Indian Heritage Fabric Lanterns

With the festive season upon us, Indian heritage fabrics like Paithani, 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 are looking for Kandil made from traditional Indian fabrics, then Rang Gangh Creation is the brand for you. Created by alumni of Sir JJ School of Art, this brand was founded by a group of friends after they graduated from college. For the past three years, they have been curating handmade fabric Kandils in various colours, offering both craftsmanship and affordability. The price range starts from Rs. 650 and you can find more pretty Kandils for Rs, 1,500 to 2,000. What makes them stand out is the usage of traditional and heritage Indian fabrics like Paithani, Khun and Ikat. These Kandils are handmade into the traditional Maharashtrian style and shape of Kandil. The inner structure is made of wood and the brand uses traditional laces as well. To protect the fabric from the lightbulb that’s inside the lantern as well as to let the Kandil shine brighter, the brand puts a layer of butter paper in it. Paper lanterns have to be handled with care and can tear anywhere. These fabric Kandils, which come in different sizes as well, are pretty sturdy. Being made of Indian heritage fabrics, these Diwali lanterns are sustainable! Customisation is available if you plan on buying in bulk orders. If you only want customisation in colours or need a bigger size, the brand offers this for single products as well. They take orders from across Maharashtra and delivery is also possible.

Where: Lalbaug, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Contact: 9653174168 / 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!