Hot air balloons, floral lanterns rule this Diwali

Diwali is synonymous with beautiful lanterns that symbolize dispelling of darkness with happiness and light. With the festival just days away, people are flocking to the city markets to look for the perfect lantern to adorn their homes with. Here’s a lowdown on some of the most interesting ones you could get hold of ahead of the festival of lights.
Hot air balloon lanterns Price: Rs 150 onwards
If you’ve ever harboured the dream of heading into the skies in a hot air balloon, these lanterns are sure to get you excited. The hottest pick in the market, these lanterns are designed just like hot air balloons with different festive patterns and colours. The sight of these lanterns hanging outside the house in clusters is rather thrilling, giving one the feeling of countless hot air balloons floating. “I have always dreamt of riding in a hot air balloon. Since the idea seems far fetched at this moment, I have decided to get hold of a number of these quirky lanterns and hang them outside my house. I will use bulbs of different colours which will add to the festive cheer,” said Sakshi Suryawanshi, a resident.
Floral lanterns Price: Rs 200 onwards
Inspired by nature’s colourful floral patterns, these lanterns have turned the city markets into illuminated gardens. Irresistible at first sight, one can get hold of these intricate looking plastic lanterns in various floral varieties, namely lotus, roses and lilies. “As I love flowers, this year I decided to buy many of these lanterns to create a lit up garden sort of a setup at home for Diwali, said Sushmita Mahajan, a resident of Bansilal Nagar.
Cloth and bead work lanterns Price: Rs 150 onwards
Very traditional in look, these lanterns are embellished with intricate patterns, bead and mirror work, lace and vibrantly-coloured embroidery strips, all combining to create an ethnic feel. Not expensive too, these lanterns are available from Rs 100 onwards and also reusable post the festivities. Praful Jariwal, a shopkeeper at Osmanpura who has been selling for the past 35 years, said, “These lanterns are the more creatively designed. Considering people are ready to shell out money to ensure that their houses look all decked up on Diwali, these are cost-effective and can also be used all year round.”
Handmade lanterns Price: Rs 300 onwards
If you are looking for something novel this time, these handmade lanterns are the ideal pick. Available in various patterns, colours and sizes, these are made from eco-friendly materials like wood and handmade paper and are intricately detailed. Vikas Vani, a shopkeeper who has set up a beautiful display of Diwali lanterns in Gulmandi area, said, “I have put up around 1500 handmade and eco-friendly lanterns on sale. People always look for something novel and personal and these handmade lanterns fit the bill perfectly.”
Lanterns in different shapes Price: Rs 150 – Rs 450
Instead of conventional and traditional lanterns, why not opt for ones that are shaped differently, ones that could even be used as part of home décor post Diwali? Available in a host of shades and patterns including cones, disco globes, geometric shapes and fireballs, customers seem to be spoilt for choice this time. Manis Tetwal, a lantern seller from Kranti Chowk area, said, “These lanterns are usually made from hand-moulded card-paper while some are made from translucent plastic that will let enough light to pass through and make the surroundings look festive. This year, star-shaped lanterns seem to be in great demand, and people are opting for white and yellow shades. These can even be used to light the house through the year.”
Where you can get hold of these interesting lanterns
Cidco Gulmandi Nirala Bazaar Osmanpura Aurangpura Mukundwadi TV Centre area