Younger generations add sparkle to inherited golu collections

Pune: It's that time of the year when South Indian households transform into doll museums, with the annual golu display taking centre stage. But this tradition isn't just about dusting off the same old dolls year after year. Younger generations have begun to add their unique touch to inherited collections to turn the displays into an even more vibrant canvas of creativity and cultural expression.
Ramya Padmanaban, a dollmaker from Pune, has capitalised on this demand by turning Barbies into dolls fit for golu displays."This year, our Navaratra-themed Barbies, clad in half-saris and holding haldi-kumkum trays, are a hit. It's all about giving these dolls an Indian makeover, from threading in black hair to customising their festive attire," she said, and added that her 80-year-old mother stitches the tiny doll outfits by hand.
Vishwanatha Sastrigal, who has set up a 24-step golu in his apartment in Rasta Peth, said the dolls in his family's collection have been accumulated over 20 years.
"My wife and I travel to Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu to buy new dolls every year to add to our golu display. This year, we have bought miniature Ram and Laxman dolls as our theme for the golu is Ram Janam [the birth of Ram]. Out of a total 600 dolls in our collection, this year we have put 350 dolls on display," Vishwanatha said.
But it's not just about amassing an army of dolls.
Wakad resident Aparna Prem sees setting up the golu as a family affair. "Our excitement doubles every year as we add new dolls to our collection. We look at this ritual as a family-bonding time. My daughter Sahana helps put the elaborate display together and listens to the stories we tell her about the deities, how we used to celebrate the festival during our childhood days and other yarns we, as her parents, like to spin," she said.
This year, their Chennai-sourced Meenakshi Sundareshwar Kalyanam dolls — depicting the divine union of Meenakshi, an avatar of Parvati, and Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva, are the stars in her home. "The Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai is famously dedicated to Meenakshi. This is the place where she was born and married to Shiva," she added.
Sathiyanarayanan L, secretary of the Pune City Tamil Sangam, highlighted the competitive spirit that fuels the golu tradition.
"Every year before Navaratri, we inform all our members about the golu competition. Members take a lot of effort to arrange all these things for the golu, right from coming up with a theme to arranging the display. Many people are very creative while setting up their golu; the display tells a story," he said.
Pune: It's that time of the year when South Indian households transform into doll museums, with the annual golu display taking centre stage. But this tradition isn't just about dusting off the same old dolls year after year. Younger generations have begun to add their unique touch to inherited collections to turn the displays into an even more vibrant canvas of creativity and cultural expression.
Ramya Padmanaban, a dollmaker from Pune, has capitalised on this demand by turning Barbies into dolls fit for golu displays. "This year, our Navaratra-themed Barbies, clad in half-saris and holding haldi-kumkum trays, are a hit. It's all about giving these dolls an Indian makeover, from threading in black hair to customising their festive attire," she said, and added that her 80-year-old mother stitches the tiny doll outfits by hand.
Vishwanatha Sastrigal, who has set up a 24-step golu in his apartment in Rasta Peth, said the dolls in his family's collection have been accumulated over 20 years.
"My wife and I travel to Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu to buy new dolls every year to add to our golu display. This year, we have bought miniature Ram and Laxman dolls as our theme for the golu is Ram Janam [the birth of Ram]. Out of a total 600 dolls in our collection, this year we have put 350 dolls on display," Vishwanatha said.
But it's not just about amassing an army of dolls.
Wakad resident Aparna Prem sees setting up the golu as a family affair. "Our excitement doubles every year as we add new dolls to our collection. We look at this ritual as a family-bonding time. My daughter Sahana helps put the elaborate display together and listens to the stories we tell her about the deities, how we used to celebrate the festival during our childhood days and other yarns we, as her parents, like to spin," she said.
This year, their Chennai-sourced Meenakshi Sundareshwar Kalyanam dolls — depicting the divine union of Meenakshi, an avatar of Parvati, and Sundareshwar, a form of Shiva, are the stars in her home. "The Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai is famously dedicated to Meenakshi. This is the place where she was born and married to Shiva," she added.
Sathiyanarayanan L, secretary of the Pune City Tamil Sangam, highlighted the competitive spirit that fuels the golu tradition.
"Every year before Navaratri, we inform all our members about the golu competition. Members take a lot of effort to arrange all these things for the golu, right from coming up with a theme to arranging the display. Many people are very creative while setting up their golu; the display tells a story," he said.