Paper lantern / kandil
Fold a small paper kandil with a reinforced hanging loop and use it as a flame-free Diwali decoration.
- Easy
- 60 min active
- Reuse first; cost depends on materials
- 6 steps
Allow additional drying time for wet paint, glue or paste.
A paper kandil can be made with two contrasting sheets: one forms the slotted outer body and the other a supporting inner tube. This tutorial uses no candle or oil lamp. A cool battery light is optional only if its product instructions allow this placement and the light is supported independently.
Materials
- 2 sheets of coloured craft paper or thin card
- Ruler and pencil
- Scissors, handled by an adult
- Child-safe glue or double-sided tape
- 1 paper strip for the hanging loop
- Cord and a suitable secure fixing
- Cool battery-operated LED light (optional, independently supported)
Steps
- 1Mark a border of about two centimetres along the long edges of the outer sheet. Fold it lengthwise and mark parallel cuts, stopping at the border.
- 2An adult cuts the marked slots through the fold without cutting through the borders. Open the sheet carefully and flatten the uncut edges.
- 3Roll the second sheet into a supporting tube and secure its seam. Wrap the slotted sheet around it so the outer paper bows slightly and forms the lantern shape.
- 4Glue or tape the upper and lower borders to the tube. Add a few long paper tassels to the bottom if desired, keeping the structure light.
- 5Reinforce the upper edge and attach a hanging strip or loop. Let glue dry fully as directed and test the loop gently before hanging.
- 6Hang from a suitable fixing away from flames, heaters and mains lights. Leave unlit or use an independently supported suitable cool LED; do not let the paper bear a heavy light or battery pack.
Helpful tips 💡
- Paper lanterns must never contain candles, oil diyas or hot bulbs.
- The active hour does not include every adhesive’s drying period; finish ahead of the hanging time.
Plan ahead
Adults can mark and cut the paper before a family craft session. Keep the finished lantern flat or supported while its glue dries, check the loop before display and store without crushing after the festival.
Common questions
Can I put a diya inside a paper kandil?
No. Keep paper away from open flames and hot bulbs. Leave it unlit or use an appropriate cool LED supported separately.
What can children do in this project?
Children can choose colours and attach large prepared strips under supervision. Adults should handle cutting, small batteries and hanging fixings.