For nearly a hundred years, the tradition of fanus — the sky lantern — has been a part of Kolkata’s Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations. Its origin story is as bright as fireworks themselves.
History Of Fanus In Kolkata
Once upon a time, in the Sutanuti area of Kolkata, almost
every household would release fanus on Kali Puja night. There’s no written
record of exactly when the first lantern was flown in the city.
But according to popular belief, the first fanus in Kolkata
was released in 1912 in the tailor’s neighborhood of Bidhan Street, North
Kolkata.
At that time, the “Babu culture” — a symbol of refined,
upper-class sophistication — was at its peak. Amid that era, the first fanus
was flown into the city’s sky by Gaurishankar Dey, a mathematics professor at
Scottish Church College.
In 1925, the family of Bholanath Dutta at Bholanath Dham on
Bidhan Street began their own fanus tradition. Soon, the custom spread to other
houses in North Kolkata as well. On Kali Puja evenings, all the houses would
release fanus together — countless lanterns floating across the sky, creating a
mesmerizing sight.
Fanus was also considered a mark of prestige — a symbol of a
babu’s refinement. At one time, materials for making them were imported from
abroad. Preparations for Kali Puja would begin ten days in advance. The
lanterns, made of paper, were light enough to float on warm air. A ball of
cotton or nuti soaked in spirit would be set alight at the base to make the
lantern rise.
The origin of the fanus can be traced to Delhi. In those
early versions, the lanterns were controlled manually, allowing the person
flying them to bring them down at will. However, the fanus of Kolkata differed
slightly from those in North India.
The first fanus was actually invented in China. Later,
Portuguese traders carried the idea to Europe and then to various parts of the
world. But in China, these sky lanterns were not part of festivities — they
were used as distress signals during war, flown to seek help when attacked by
enemies.
There’s also a connection between the fanus and the legend
of Gautama Buddha. During Pravarana Purnima (or Ashwini Purnima), Buddhists
release sky lanterns as a symbol of attaining enlightenment and liberation.
After the establishment of “Chhota Lucknow” in Metiabruz,
the passion for flying fanus became firmly rooted in Kolkata. Some also believe
that the practice came to the city under British influence.
The father of writer Ashapurna Devi, artist Harendranath
Gupta, used to make and fly fanus every Kali Puja for pleasure. He would craft
elongated, gourd-shaped lanterns from thin paper like kite paper, tying a
kerosene-soaked ball firmly at the open end.
Over time, the popularity of fanus flying began to wane — perhaps
due to changing times, the faster pace of life, the new generation’s busy
schedules, and a lack of skilled artisans.
Even so, at Bholanath Dham, the excitement surrounding the fanus
festival remains alive.
Besides local enthusiasts, many photographers and vloggers gather there each
year.
Efforts are underway to rekindle love for the fanus among
younger generations — through social media, videos, and reels.
Kali Puja is celebrated at Bholanath Dham with great pomp. During
the Dutta family’s Hundred Fanus Festival, alongside the traditional colorful
lanterns, one could also see fanus shaped like footballs, patachitra paintings,
and even Batman. Some lanterns were themed after Abol Tabol and Sahaj Path,
evoking beloved Bengali classics.
In many ordinary households, fanus are still released along
with fireworks —
though their style has changed.
Instead of the old traditional designs, the “Chinese style”
is now more common.
Across Kolkata and other parts of India, people still gather to release sky lanterns together during Diwali.