Come Navratri, and Golus find a place of piety

NAVI MUMBAI: Navaratri is a much-awaited festival at Tamilian households as many arrange idols of deities as well as other dolls to celebrate Bommai Kolu (or Golu) for nine days. Golu arrangements can go up to 10 tiers and more showcasing eclectic dolls and figurines.
Sowmya Anand from Nerul have taken out her collection of 300 dolls to make a 10-tier Golu. She has arranged them on the basis of three themes. The first one depicts nine kinds of devotion while another showcases Tamil poetess Avvaiyar and her teachings. The third theme displays seven ancient philanthropist kings.

Booma S Rajan from Koparkhairane is celebrating 21 years of Golu this year. Her dolls have been set up steps made of wooden planks draped in silk.

Wooden dolls or Marapaachi, a couple symbolizing fertility, find a place of pride along with idols of Vishnu and his consorts among many others. This year, her theme is ‘Pancha Kanya’ and 50 ancient marble toys have been kept on the last step to keep the tradition alive.