The nine-day Navaratri festival is a time of immense cultural significance and joyous celebration across South India. A cornerstone of these festivities is the tradition of ‘Golu’ or ‘Bommakolu,’ where families, workplaces, and schools meticulously arrange a display of dolls. Mornings are often dedicated to sacred pujas, while evenings come alive with a flurry of visitors moving between homes, admiring each other’s unique doll arrangements.
Many enthusiasts elevate their Golu displays into creative masterpieces, crafting miniature landscapes that depict everything from theme parks and serene pools to grand palaces, adding a personal and artistic touch to the tradition. Beyond home displays, this period is also a vibrant platform for artistic expression, with temples, dance schools, and cultural organizations hosting a plethora of dance and music programs that showcase both established and emerging talents.
As the festival unfolds, the region comes alive with visual splendor:
Bengaluru’s Golu Dolls: In Basavangudi, Bengaluru, shops like B.R. Dasara Doll’s are bustling with beautifully handpainted Golu dolls, meticulously crafted and ready to adorn homes. These doll sets, depicting deities, mythological scenes, and everyday life, are central to the Navaratri celebrations.
Thrissur’s Bommakolu Display: From Thrissur, Kerala, a magnificent ‘Bommakolu’ display graces the Sreedharma Shastra Temple. These elaborate arrangements become a focal point for community gatherings in the evenings, drawing people together in shared celebration.
Thiruvananthapuram’s Grand Procession: A highlight in Thiruvananthapuram is the annual procession of Navaratri idols, which majestically begins its journey from the historic Padmanabhapuram Palace, weaving through the colorful streets of Karamana, symbolizing devotion and heritage.
Mangaluru Temple Illuminations: The Kudroli Sri Gokarnanatha Temple in Mangaluru radiates with festive lights. During Navaratri, many temples like this one go beyond traditional prayers, presenting their own versions of elaborate doll displays for devotees to admire.
Coimbatore’s Doll Exhibition: The rich artistry of Golu dolls is vividly displayed at exhibitions and sales, such as the one at Poompuhar on Big Bazaar Street in Coimbatore. Here, exquisite clay and paper mache dolls, sourced from local artisans in Selvapuram and Madhampatty, captivate visitors.
Chennai’s Raj Bhavan Festival: The festive spirit even reaches official settings, as seen at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai, where Governor R.N. Ravi participated in admiring the Navaratri Kolu Festival. It underscores how various institutions contribute to the widespread festive cheer.
Chikkamagaluru’s Community Display: In Chikkamagaluru, the Bharatha Brahmana Maha Sabha organizes a magnificent Navaratri festive display, drawing eager crowds who immerse themselves in this rich cultural spectacle.
Bengaluru’s Creative Golu: Lalitha Prasad, a dedicated Navaratri enthusiast in Bengaluru’s Poornaprajna Layout, showcased her remarkable creativity with handmade ‘Golu’ dolls, featuring 25 unique concepts. Such personalized and artistic renditions are a cherished aspect of the festival.
Kochi’s Community Gatherings: As Navaratri reaches its peak, communities actively participate, exemplified by the ‘Bommakolu’ display at the Gramajana Samooham in Kochi. The vibrant atmosphere encourages everyone to step out and soak in the joyous celebrations.
Thiruvananthapuram’s Illuminated Streets and Cultural Hub: The area surrounding the Saraswati temple in Poojapura, Thiruvananthapuram, transforms into a dazzling array of lights and colors. This time also serves as a vital platform for budding artists, with temples, dance schools, and cultural organizations hosting numerous dance and music performances, enriching the region’s artistic landscape.