The significance of Golu-festival of dolls described with golu images

This year, I had the privilege of visiting my friend Sowmiya Natarajan’s Golu display at her home in New Jersey. When I shared pictures of the beautifully decorated dolls and figurines with my friends and family, many of them were curious about the significance of Golu. So, I decided to write down the meaning and purpose of this ritual in a simple way for all of you.

Navratri is celebrated in different parts of India under various names and forms. However, the underlying message is the same everywhere: it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. In West Bengal and other Eastern states, Durga Puja is the focal point of the festival. In Delhi and other northern states, the Ramleela is associated with Navratri. For Gujaratis, the celebration involves performing Garba, while in South India, it is marked by the display of Golu.

Golu, also known as Bommai Kolu, Bommala Koluvu, or Bombe Habba, is the artistic display of dolls and figurines arranged on multiple steps, usually 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 tiers. Many homes in the southern states of India—Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka—set up these colorfully decorated displays during the nine days of Navaratri. “Bommai Kolu” in Tamil means “divine presence,” “Bommala Koluvu” in Telugu means “court of toys,” and “Bombe Habba” means “doll festival” in Kannada.

These displays are typically based on themes that represent ancient stories, depicting scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and other Hindu mythological texts. The tradition is rooted in a story where, when Goddess Durga set out to fight the demon Mahishasura, all the gods and goddesses lent her their powers. Without their powers, they became statues or ‘dolls.’ On the tenth day of battle, with all their collective powers, Goddess Durga triumphed over the evil Mahishasura. This victory is celebrated as Dussehra, and to honor the gods and goddesses who had become ‘dolls’ by sacrificing their powers, the doll festival was born.

Traditionally, the top tiers of the Golu display feature idols of gods and goddesses. Alongside these mythological figures, dolls representing everyday scenes, such as Hindu weddings, Ratha Yatra, village life, and more, are displayed. Small children from the family often place miniature kitchen utensils or other toys from their collection on the steps.

The preparations begin on the auspicious day of Amavasya, when families set up the steps, arrange the dolls, and decorate their homes with flowers and rangolis. The nine days of Navaratri start the following day and culminate on the tenth day, which is Vijayadashami, the day of victory. During these nine days, prayers and offerings (prasad) are made to the gods. Family and friends are invited, and women exchange betel leaves, betel nuts, fruits, flowers, bangles, turmeric, and kumkum. Shlokas are chanted by children and elder family members. The ninth day is marked by Saraswati Puja, worshiping the goddess of knowledge and learning, during which books are offered to seek her blessings.

The tenth day, Vijayadashami, is considered an auspicious day to begin new ventures, journeys, or learn new skills. On this final day, the Golu dolls are ‘put to sleep’ and packed away until the next Navaratri.

 

 

Significance of different dolls my friend kept

These are the dolls displayed at my friend’s home. She patiently narrated us the significance of them.

 

Dasavathram: the 10 Incarnations of Lord Vishnu

In a golu of stories, this set has plenty to fill days and nights. Children are drawn towards the story usually told by grandparents and it becomes a good chance to familiarize them with these most loved and often-repeated stories from Hindu mythology.

 

Lord Vitthal (Pandurang)

Lord Vithal, or Panduranga Vittala, is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped in the world famous Pandarpur Rukmini Vithal Temple at Pandarpur in Maharashtra.

 

8 Forms of Lakshmi

Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of beauty, wealth and fertility has eight different forms. This concept of Goddess Lakshmi in her eight form is referred to as the Ashta-Lakshmi.

Aadi-Lakshmi (The Primeval Goddess) or Maha Lakshmi (The Great Goddess)

Dhana-Lakshmi or Aishwarya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Prosperity and Wealth)

Dhaanya-Lakshmi (Goddess of Food Grains)

Gaja-Lakshmi (The Elephant Goddess)

Santana-Lakshmi (The Goddess of Progeny)

Veera-Lakshmi or Dhairya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Valor and Courage)

Vidya-Lakshmi (The Goddess of Knowledge)

Vijaya-Lakshmi or Jaya Lakshmi (The Goddess of Victory)

 

Kamdhenu

Kamadhenu is a divine bovine-goddess described in vedic scriptures as the mother of all cows. She is a miraculous “cow of plenty” who provides her owner whatever he desires and is often portrayed as the mother of other cattle as well as the eleven Rudras. In iconography, she is generally depicted as a white cow with a female head and breasts or as a white cow containing various deities within her body. All cows are venerated in Hinduism as the earthly embodiment of the Kamadhenu. As such, Kamadhenu is not worshipped independently as a goddess, and temples are not dedicated to her honor alone; rather, she is honored by the veneration of cows in general throughout the observant Indian population.

 

Marapachi Bommai – For togetherness

These dolls are made of wood – ‘Mara’ means wood and ‘pachi’ means carved. Its origin can be traced back to Andhra Pradesh. It comes as a pair of husband and wife. Usually the dolls are not clothed, leaving some fun activity time for children to dress them up before it is being displayed. They represent the togetherness and bonding between a couple.

 

Chettiar Bommai: The signs of prosperity

Amidst the Gods and the Marapachi, this old, bulbous and wealthy looking couple take up an important position. Any Golu is incomplete without this couple. The Chettiar community is traditionally associated with being a business commmunity. In addition to the dolls, a handful of grains, rice and jaggery is placed in front of them to make the typical Chettiar kadai- the grocery shop. The couple stands for growth, prosperity and happiness.
As my friend does not have the real dolls she just dressed up the toys to create these dolls.

 

Laughing Buddha: for contentment in simplicity

In my friend’s home, her old, heavy laughing Buddha (Buddai) paperweight from the study migrates to the steps of the Golu unfailingly, every year. Contray to the chettiar bommai is the Buddai who is poor and is still content. A character who teaches us to be good and loving towards others despite difficulties in life.

Beautiful sea and a grape farm

Kids creative corner that completes the Golu. Every family gives personal touch to their golu collection by adding few pieces with their creativity.

African wild animals theme

One more addition by the kids.

Golu is not only about displaying colorful dolls,it is the time when stories come alive,elders become child with their kids, families bond together.This also a way to introduce age old stories, mythology and to retain and pass our traditions and culture to the next generation.

 

Disclaimer:The article is written based on the information provided by my friend and by referring other resources present in Google.