With Navaratri celebrations to start on Wednesday, sale of kolu dolls have come to full swing in Coimbatore. Apart from the regular kolu dolls of gods and characters from the epics, dolls of popular leaders like A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa have also found place this year.
Though kolu dolls of the ‘missile man of India’ is not new to the market, demand for dolls of Jayalalithaa increased last year as it was the first Navaratri after her demise in December 2016.
“Kolu dolls of Amma are wanted by party men and those admiring her. Kalam sir’s dolls are loved by children and elders alike. They are sold for ₹ 300,” said A. Sumathi, a kolu doll artist from Puttuvikki road, who hails from one of the very few families in Coimbatore that are into doll making.
Among the new collections this year are kolu dolls portraying the theme marriage. The theme has collections of dolls narrating Hindu marriage starting from the groom and his people visiting the bride at her house, the marriage, wedding reception and valaikappu. One collection costs around ₹1,350.
Dolls displaying religious harmony are also out on the stands for sale.
“Dolls of marriage theme have demand among families in which marriage is approaching. Some families display dolls of the theme as thanksgiving after smooth conduct of marriage,” said Ms. Sumathi.
According to V. Azhagappan, another artist, making and sale of kolu dolls this is year was affected by the rain. The dolls were made in the last three months.
Apart from stalls put up at Poompuhar showrooms, artists also sell dolls at their making units.
Please Email the Editor