For 70-year-old Lalitha Prasad, the festive spirit of Dasara goes far beyond simply displaying dolls; it’s a deeply personal occasion to create them herself. Over the past fifteen years, this dedicated septuagenarian from Bengaluru has meticulously handcrafted more than 1,500 dolls, exploring over twenty diverse themes. Her creations span from the spiritual, like Yoga and Surya Namaskara, to vibrant depictions of women critics, traditional marriage ceremonies, intricate mythological tales, and significant historical events.
Despite facing health and age-related challenges, including recurring back and shoulder pain, Lalitha Prasad’s passion for her craft remains unwavering. Her resilience is evident in every doll she nurtures into existence, embodying a profound dedication to her art.
Her home in Bengaluru transforms into a dazzling showcase of these handmade ‘Golu’ dolls. Each piece is a testament to her extraordinary attention to detail. The cotton-stuffed figures feature exquisite hand-stitched costumes and miniature jewelry, complete with tiny earrings and bindis that bring them to life. Visitors are captivated by the array, including beautifully rendered dolls of revered figures like Rama, Sita, and Laxmana.
Lalitha Prasad continuously innovates, introducing new dolls and concepts each year, painstakingly arranging them for the Navaratri festival. On Day 1 of Dasara, her ‘Golu’ display alone features 25 unique concepts, showcasing the breadth of her artistic vision and her profound commitment to preserving a cherished cultural legacy for generations to come.