Kalpataru: The Wishing Tree, by Sarthak and Sahil

Kalpatharu: The Wishing Tree, by Sarthak and Sahil at the V&A, 2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
Kalpatharu: The Wishing Tree, by Sarthak and Sahil at the V&A, 2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London

The V&A museum in London has unveiled a light installation in its Grand Entrance to mark the start of the festive season.

Kalpataru: The Wishing Tree has been designed by consultancy Sarthak and Sahil, based in Delhi, India, as part of the V&A’s India Festival. The installation also aims to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

It is comprised of structures shaped like “classic Indian motifs”, says the V&A, including the lotus petal and the “ambi” or paisley symbol. They also include hand-painted murals, created by artists from the south of Kerala.