Kolkata: Kolkata, a city renowned for its dynamic fusion of cultures, is commemorating a distinctive custom that literally illuminates the sky: the vibrant sky lanterns known as Fanush.

These lanterns have long been an essential component of the city's festive landscape, usually released during Kali Puja and Christmas.

The tradition finds its strongest roots in North Kolkata, where the annual Fanush Utsav transforms old neighbourhoods into glowing backdrops as lanterns rise against heritage buildings. This year, residents of Goabagan are giving the tradition renewed momentum by organising a community-level Fanush festival, now scheduled for the last Sunday of every November.

Traditional Fanush maker P.K. Malik says, "This is part of our culture here. This festival takes place two or three times every year - like during Kali puja, or today (Last Sunday of November). Or during Christmas as well. We make variety of Fanush, in varied designs and themes like Maa Kali, Durga, Gopal, or other themes like Jai Hind and Vande mataram. The enemy of Fanush festival is the wind. If there is high intensity of winds, then not even one of them will rise. That is why we need this type of cool climate, and that is why we have chosen the winter time for this..."

While the moment of take-off is magical, the true essence of the festival lies in the meticulous process of making each lantern.

Every cut, colour and shape is crafted with precision, with paper edges kept thin to help the Fanush lift smoothly into the sky. They are finally sent upwards using a small flame or an electric fan.

Organisers believe the festival is not just an artistic showcase, but a celebration of community bonds.

Sandip Paul, one of the organisers of Fanush Utsav, says "As it is not very hot, people come to the terrace and watch this. So this festival has become very popular. This has been celebrated for a long time and it has become the heritage festival of North Kolkata - for thirty years, they were flown there, and now the festival has come here. We make this all by ourselves. We make them using Chinese paper and another type of paper called 'Fatima' - we make them with both the papers.."