How to Make Diwali Lanterns

Turn an ordinary jar into a Hindu festival lantern.

Diwali, according to Sangam World, is a Hindu festival of lights holiday that begins in October. For the entire month, Hindus hang lanterns, called kandil, in their doorways to honor Lakshmi, the goddess of fertility and wealth. The more opulent and colorful the lantern, the more prosperous the home will be. Create your own Diwali kandil lantern this October to herald in a prosperous year.

Things You'll Need

• 8-oz. glass jar
• Glazing glue
• Paintbrush
• Colored tissue paper: pink or red
• Scissors
• Colored rice paper: light blue, yellow and lavender
• White school glue
• Votive candle

Instructions

1. Wash an 8-oz. glass jar with mild dish soap, removing any residue and dirt that may prevent your paper from sticking. You may use an old food jar or find a mason jar at your local craft store.

2. Paint the entire outside of the jar with craft glazing glue. Wrap the jar in red or pink tissue paper and gently smooth it down against the jar, forming it to the jar's shape.

3. Cut away excess tissue paper and paint a second coat of glazing glue over the tissue paper. Allow the glue to dry for at least two hours.

4. Fold about 15 squares of colored rice paper in half diagonally, but do not crease the folds. Instead, glue 1 inch of the corners together where they meet. Let each paper dry for about 10 minutes.

5. Run a bead of school glue down the rounded back of each folded piece of rice paper and press it vertically against the outside of the jar. Cover the jar completely with these folded pieces of paper. Let the jar dry overnight.

6. Place a votive candle in the jar and light it. The light should shine through the tissue paper and the folded pieces of rice paper. For best results, choose rice paper colors that mix well with pink and red, such as lavender, blue, darker shades of pink or red, or yellow.

References

• Sangam World Centre: Traditional Indian Craft
• Balagokulam: Kandil Making
• Kids Gen: Diwali Crafts