Pune's Kumbhar Wada draws Diwali shoppers to handmade diyas, lanterns and miniature forts

As Diwali nears, people in Pune are heading to the lanes of Kumbhar Wada in Kasba Peth. Handmade diyas, lanterns (kandil), idols of gods and goddesses, rangoli stencils and other items are on sale. Handmade forts and their small figurines are also being sold. The information is from Pune on November 5, 2026.

Despite the easy availability of goods on e-commerce platforms, buyers are coming to Kumbhar Wada for handmade festive decor. The local artisans, the potters, make the items in fine patterns, designs and different styles. Customers from different parts of the city are drawn here.

Suvarna, who sells festive decor at Kumbhar Wada, said, "We make everything by hand and it takes a month in all. Whatever is left over after the festival, we pack and keep for next year."

Deeper inside the wada, the biggest crowds gather around the forts. People are buying these intricately made, colourful handmade forts for their children and adding them to their Diwali decorations.

Asmita Kale, another woman who sells forts and figurines such as peacocks, soldiers and gods and goddesses, said, "Some things are made by hand, with glitter and everything else. For some we use moulds, because the demand for them is the highest, so we have to make many identical pieces. It takes a lot of time to make, first shaping, then painting and then drying."

As Diwali draws closer, people are also visiting the neighbourhood with family and friends. They buy diyas and other decor to complete their festive shopping.

Sucheta, a customer at a shop, said, "My friend and I have come to buy diyas. It feels better to come here and buy what we need. For one, the prices are lower, and for another, when we pick the diyas ourselves, look at the designs with our own eyes and walk among everything on sale, we feel more connected to the festival."

Prashant had come to buy painting supplies, diyas and lanterns for his office. He said, "I have come to pick up diyas and painting supplies for the 'diya painting' activity at my office. I want designs that are easy to paint, and it also adds a personal touch. I work at an international company, so we try to celebrate all our festivals with great enthusiasm, to stay connected and to appreciate our culture fully."

With Diwali approaching, Kumbhar Wada remains a favourite spot for Pune residents for festive decor and traditional handmade goods. Artisans are busy making and selling their wares, and customers are arriving for festival shopping, keeping the market lively this festive season.