South Indian community in Thane step up Navratri festivities with colourful golus

THANE: From narrating mythological stories, showcasing the power of women to depicting the rural life of south India, the south Indian community in the lake city is celebrating the nine-day Navratri festival with great gusto.
Practiced by the natives of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the festival of Bommai golu or Bommala Kolu is a figurine display of dolls on a makeshift platform. Each step represents a phase of life.

Each step, known as padai, is lit up with a string of lamps and flowers. During this time, an array of sumptuous food is prepared for guests and haldi-kumkum ceremony is organised for women. Devotees are leaving no stone unturned to showcase their cultural values.

Swati Kannan, a resident of Ghodbundar Road, said, “This year, we made a five-step display of dolls. Each step has a unique significance. The top most step represents the gods and goddesses. Besides them a kalash adorned with leaves and coconut is kept. The second padai portrays idols of great men and saints, which could differ from household to household. The third consists of the statues of a king and a queen, which is symbolic to marriage or a social ceremony. These statues are made from red sandalwood. In front of the padi, various themes are made.”

Those who do not keep the golu dolls visit temples and conduct a small puja at home on the 10th day of the festival. A resident of Manpada, Anita Narayan, said, “We visit temples across the city and offer the diety prasad. On the ninth day, it is said that the golu dolls go to sleep. So on the last day we perform a puja at home.”