Akash kandil making

Practised in Goa

One of Goa's living craft traditions.

Where it comes from

The akash kandil, or sky lantern, is hung outside Goan homes through Diwali to light the way — a household craft that many families still make by hand each year.

How it's practiced

A frame of split bamboo is tied into a star or geometric shape, covered with coloured paper or cloth, and finished with tassels before a lamp or bulb is placed inside.

From discovery to practice

The Journey

Understand

Where Akash kandil making comes from, why it started, and what it means today.

See it

See it made for and around Narkasur.

Experience it

Request an artisan visit — watch Akash kandil making being made and meet the makers.

Practice

Join a hands-on Akash kandil making workshop with a verified artisan, or commission a piece.

Experience it

Book the Akash kandil making experience

Want to see Akash kandil making being made? Tell us when and where you'd like to visit the artisans, and we'll confirm the details.

Learn it, or commission it

Learn Akash kandil making hands-on, or commission a piece from the artisans

Every artisan WRIKSH connects you with has been personally verified. Tell us whether you'd like a workshop for yourself or a group, a visit to the artisans, or a commissioned piece — and we'll arrange it.

See it

Festivals where Akash kandil making lives

Religious

Goa · October/November

Narkasur

On the night before Diwali, neighbourhoods parade giant effigies of the demon Narakasura they have built themselves, then burn them before dawn as homes light their akash kandil lanterns.

Discover further

More traditions of Goa

Performing Art

Goa

Romta Mel

Performing Art

Goa

Ghode Modni

Performing Art

Goa

Fugdi