Where To Buy Diwali Lanterns In Mumbai? Dadar, Mahim And Crawford Market

Let’s be honest, Diwali without Akash Kandil is like Christmas without the iconic Christmas tree. The festival of lights is almost here, and many Mumbaikars are busy shopping for the iconic Diwali lanterns, also known as Akash Kandil in Mumbai. This traditional hanging lantern is central to every Maharashtrian household's festive decor and is hung outside balconies and doorways to welcome prosperity, light, and good fortune. Mumbai has a variety of Kandils to choose from, and you can find this variety at the following markets listed in this unstumbled guide. From Dadar Market to Crawford Market, know where you can get the best deals for the lanterns. 

Where Can You Purchase Diwali Lanterns In Mumbai?

1. Kandil Galli, Mahim: The Iconic Lantern Street

No list about Kandil markets is complete without the mention of Kandil Galli in Mahim. It is located close to the historic Citylight Cinema in Mahim West and is widely considered the heart of Diwali lantern shopping in Mumbai.

The street is lined with makeshift open-air stalls of local Maharashtrian families and artisans. Many lanterns available for sale here are crafted using eco-friendly paper, silk fabrics, bamboo, and recycled materials.

The classic paanch-koni, or five-pointed stars, elaborate multi-layered pom-pom lanterns, and traditional fort-style or Kila paper lanterns are available here and quite popular, too, during the festive season. It is important to note, however, that L.J. Road gets congested during evening peak hours, so taking the local train is the best way to travel.

2. Dadar West: Ranade Road And Kelkar Road Bazaars

Dadar is probably the biggest shopping hub during the festive season. Ranade Road, NC Kelkar Road, and D’Silva Road specifically transform into a sprawling festive market selling thousands of lanterns alongside clay diyas and fresh flowers.

Ranade Road is best for those festive shoppers who are looking for traditional cloth and Paper Kandils. It has large street stalls featuring washable velvet and folding cloth lanterns. NC Kelkar Road is more known for the handcrafted and eco-friendly designs. This is where you’ll find artisanal stalls selling wooden-frame, cane, and recycled paper lanterns.

The D’Silva Road corner is best for budget bulk purchases where compact stalls give affordable folding plastic and cardboard lanterns for apartment balconies.

Also Read: 7 Famous Diwali Sweets From Different Indian States And Where To Find Them

3. Crawford Market And Abdul Rehman Street, South Mumbai

If you’re looking for more modern lanterns with LED lights, Crawford Market is your best bet. It has these as well as other decorative festive accessories under one roof. Crawford Market specializes in durable acrylic, foldable plastic, metallic foil, and waterproof fabric lanterns that are built to withstand outdoor wind and moisture.

You can also extend your kandil shopping and browse the narrow lanes of Abdul Rehman Street and Kazi Sayed Street near Masjid Bunder. These areas have wholesale dealers offering bulk discounts for those purchasing multiple lanterns for residential societies or corporate gifts.

The best part is that you can easily pair your lantern shopping with purchases of artificial flower garlands (torans), dry fruit gift hampers, and home decor.

4. Lohar Chawl: The Wholesale Electric And Fairy Light Hub

Lohar Chawl is Mumbai’s premier wholesale electrical goods market, and it sits directly across from Crawford Market and Kalbadevi. This area has the widest range of electrified Akash Kandils, glowing crystal-cut lanterns, smart LED changing lights, and string curtain lights. You can easily pair these with your traditional paper lanterns.

You’ll find decorative accessories such as modern acrylic LED stars, rotating disco-light kandils, waterproof outdoor rope lighting, and brass-finished electric hanging lamps. Avoid visiting on Sundays and remember that the best time to visit this place is between 12 PM and 7 PM. Depending on the kind of lantern you choose and the number of lanterns you choose, your cost can range from INR 50 to INR 1,200 or even more.

Also Read: What Is Diwali Faral? A Guide To Maharashtra’s Festive Snacks

Summing Up

For many, Diwali without an Akash Kandil is inconceivable. It is an emblem of prosperity and a marker of the arrival of the festive season. Whether your household gets an intricate and reusable lantern or one of those eco-friendly paper lanterns, every Diwali-celebrating household (and even office spaces) must have at least one. Without these hexagonal beauties hanging either on your balcony or from your ceiling, Diwali feels slightly underwhelming. So, no matter what kind of Kandil you have in mind, the places listed here are sure to have them in stock. Shopping for them itself is quite a significant part of the festivity.