Udupi: As Diwali approaches, colourful lanterns are adding to the festive atmosphere, with markets witnessing strong demand for decorative lights in different designs. In Chitpady, Udupi, a group of children is bringing its own creativity to the festival by making beautiful traditional and modern lanterns by hand.
Guided by Mamatha, the children are preparing a variety of decorative lanterns using colourful paper and other materials. Their creations are attracting customers, but the initiative has a purpose beyond celebrating the festival. The income earned from selling the lanterns is being used to support the children’s education.
Children showcase their creativity through handmade lanterns
With Diwali around the corner, the children in Chitpady are busy cutting, assembling and decorating paper to create attractive lanterns. Working under Mamatha’s guidance, they are producing designs that combine traditional patterns with modern styles.
Each lantern is carefully prepared by hand, with colourful paper adding to its appearance. The children have also introduced new designs this year, including eco-friendly options.
Their handmade products stand out for the effort and creativity involved in making them. Traditional lanterns, in particular, are receiving a good response from customers.
Lanterns priced between ₹350 and ₹700
The lanterns made by the children are available at prices ranging from ₹350 to ₹700, depending on their design and size.
The initiative has received encouraging customer interest, with buyers showing a preference for the traditional designs. The colourful creations offer an alternative to mass-produced decorative products while supporting the children’s efforts.
The children are involved in different stages of production, from cutting and arranging the paper to assembling and decorating the finished lanterns. Through this process, they are developing practical skills and learning the value of teamwork and patience.
Handmade lanterns offer lessons in self-reliance
For the children, lantern-making is more than a festive hobby. It gives them an opportunity to explore their creativity, develop practical skills and understand the value of earning through their own efforts.
They use their free time productively to prepare the lanterns, and the money earned from selling them goes towards their educational expenses. The initiative therefore combines creative learning with financial support for their studies.
The effort also encourages children to appreciate handmade products and environmentally conscious festive decorations.
Creativity lights up the spirit of Diwali
As families prepare to celebrate Diwali, the lanterns made by the children of Chitpady are bringing an added sense of warmth to the festival. Under Mamatha’s guidance, their work demonstrates how encouragement and opportunities can help young people discover and develop their talents.
The initiative is not only adding colour to the festival but also helping children move towards greater independence. Their handmade lanterns reflect the spirit of Diwali through creativity, hard work and the hope of a brighter future.