The History of Golu During Navratri
Navratri is a nine-day full-fledged festival of pomp and show, which is actually a festival of worship concerning the goddess Durga. One of the most loved traditions concerning this festival is the display of Golu dolls, popularly known as Kolu dolls or Golu dolls. This tradition is related to South Indian culture, in which an elaborative setup of these dolls is usually arranged that defines various mythological stories and characters. The setting of Golu has been an age-old custom and symbolises the victory of good over evil. These dolls usually comprise traditional Amman Golu dolls and Dasara doll sets, which are prepared with clay and hence are more interactive in the display called "Clay Bommai." The most striking features of Navarathri Golu dolls are the elaborate arrangements, adding to the festive touch, but at the same time, they serve as a medium to narrate stories and display culture.
Cultural Importance of Golu
Golu, the display of dolls, has a lot of cultural significance with Navratri. It consists of an arrangement in steps with multi-colored, vivid, and varied Golu dolls, to be performed and symbolises artistic expression and spiritual devotion. The Navarathri Golu dolls symbolise many aspects of Hindu mythology as well as folklore, from even the most minute details as the Amman Golu dolls to the vibrantly coloured Dasara doll sets. They serve as a medium to inform and remind us about our rich cultural heritage and moral values. Every Golu doll, including the clay Golu dolls and the Kolu dolls, symbolises something, representing different faces of life and spirituality. The establishment of Golu on the occasion of Navratri is not merely worship of the divine but creates bonding of community through shared culture.
The Significance of Different Golu Steps
Golu steps, also called "Padi," are a very significant part of the arrangement in the Navratri celebration. Each step of Golu display represents different themes and stories depicted by the wide range of Golu dolls. Even though there may be variations, traditional seven or nine steps are built and different sets of dolls are placed on each step. The last step normally comprises clay kolu dolls representing the different deities, including the Amman Golu dolls. Other higher steps could represent scenes from epics, like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, or some incidents that happen in routine life. Such placements and placements of these navarathri golu dolls, including Dasara doll sets and clay bommai, are thoughtfully done to create something connected and complete, offering a sequence or telling. This setup adds not only beauty but also narrates the story of important tales and lessons during the festival.
Traditions of Golu at Your Home
Celebrating Golu at home is an integral part of the festive mood during Navratri, drawing families together in joyous and spiritually enriching ways. It consists of arranging a Navarathri Golu dolls display with dolls of various kinds, such as Kolu dolls and Amman Golu dolls, on steps or platforms. Normally, a family starts the preparation by cleaning and decorating their house in order to welcome the Golu dolls. Each day of Navratri, the Golu display is worshipped specially by offering something, usually different sweets and snacks. The Golu display of dolls along with the Dasara doll set and Bommai made of clay is not for mere display but devotion to be performed and culture to be celebrated. It is a tradition to invite friends and neighbours over to see the Golu, so it is a social and a communal celebration.
Various versions of Golu from India
Golu is celebrated in its taste and flavour in every different region of India. In Tamil Nadu, it is also known as "Kolu," where an elaborately arranged set of dolls in many steps, comprising all mythological characters to daily life, are displayed. In Karnataka, the tradition goes by the name of "Gombe Habba" wherein dolls depicting stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata are arranged. In Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the celebrations are made with "Bommala Koluvu" where dolls are displayed in their elaborate settings. Every region of Golu carries different Navarathri dolls and clay Golu dolls according to their customs and artistic liking; hence, adding to the rich tapestry of festive traditions across India.
Why Golu during the Navaratri?
Navarathri golu dolls, or 'display of dolls,' is an intrinsic part of the Navratri celebrations and has more purposes than one. It is one way of paying obeisance to Goddess Durga on her victory over evil. The dolls used in Golu, such as the traditional Amman Golu dolls and Dasara doll sets, are utilised in recreating a scene from Hindu mythology so as to visually present divine stories and values. The arrangement of dolls, as a custom, helps to bring a sense of togetherness and unity among people, akin to the making of clay Golu dolls and Kolu dolls. The tradition, therefore, keeps alive the cultural ethos, while simultaneously giving a reason for the family to get together and feel at one with the divine.
