Navarathri Dolls Festival--2013
Navarathri Greetings to all!!!
This time, theme given by my son for Navarthri Golu
Golu or Kolu or Bombe Habba in Kannada or Bommai Kolu in Tamil or Bommala Koluvu Telugu is a toy festival celebrated during the festival of Navratri in Southern India, it is customary in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, as well as in some Tamil communities residing abroad. This is an exhibition of various dolls and figurines in odd usually,5, 7, 9, or 11 numbered platforms called Padis. Golu or Kolu in Tamilmeans Divine Presence. Bommala Koluvu in Telugu means Court of Toys. Kolu/Bommala Koluvu represents the divine presence of the Goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Lakshmi in the Kannada ,Telugu and Tamil households during Navaratri -Nine nights.
Golu is adorned with dolls -- principally with that of the gods and goddesses depicting mythology. It is a traditional practice to have at least some wooden dolls. There should also be a figurine of a boy and a girl together called 'Marapacchi' Bommai.
This is again a strong belief that during this period Goddess Durga was fiercely engaged in a battle with the demon Mahishasura. It was on the 10th day, "Vijayadasami" -- Vijaya meaning Victory and dashmi meaning tenth day, Goddess succeeded in killing the wicked demon. So, the Vijayadashmi day is celebrated as 'Dussera' and it is the most auspicious day of all. It was the day on which evil was finally destroyed by good. It marks a new and prosperous beginning.Dasha Hara in Snkrit means removal of ten bad qualities in a person: "Kama -Lust, Krodha-Anger, Moha-Attachment, Lobha-Greed, Mada-Over pride, Matsara-Jealusy, Swartha-Selfishness, Anyaaya-Inhjustice, Amanavta-Creulty, Ahankara-Ego". Vijaya meaning Victory and Dashmi-meaning ten bad or negative qualities.
On the tenth day; that is "Vijayadasami", in the evening, a pair of Marpachchi doll or any one doll from the Golu is symbolically put to sleep to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. Prayers are offered to thank God for the successful completion of that year's Golu and with a hope of a successful one the next year. Then the Golu is dismantled and packed up for the next year.
Like any festival, Golu also has a significant connection with agricultural economy of ancient India. It is said that in order to encourage dredging and de-silting of irrigation canals and riverbeds the Golu celebration was aimed at providing demand for the clay material got from such activities. There are many peculiar customs and beliefs in different parts of India that imbue sacred status to clay.
This year theme-NEWS--Ladhak-Great Himalayan Mountain Range, Golden Temple of Amritsar, Rajasthan Desert and folk, Temples of South and Kerala Elephant Palaquins. To the North-East- Green Forest and wild animals.
This time, theme given by my son for Navarthri Golu
Golu or Kolu or Bombe Habba in Kannada or Bommai Kolu in Tamil or Bommala Koluvu Telugu is a toy festival celebrated during the festival of Navratri in Southern India, it is customary in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, as well as in some Tamil communities residing abroad. This is an exhibition of various dolls and figurines in odd usually,5, 7, 9, or 11 numbered platforms called Padis. Golu or Kolu in Tamilmeans Divine Presence. Bommala Koluvu in Telugu means Court of Toys. Kolu/Bommala Koluvu represents the divine presence of the Goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Lakshmi in the Kannada ,Telugu and Tamil households during Navaratri -Nine nights.
Golu is adorned with dolls -- principally with that of the gods and goddesses depicting mythology. It is a traditional practice to have at least some wooden dolls. There should also be a figurine of a boy and a girl together called 'Marapacchi' Bommai.
This is again a strong belief that during this period Goddess Durga was fiercely engaged in a battle with the demon Mahishasura. It was on the 10th day, "Vijayadasami" -- Vijaya meaning Victory and dashmi meaning tenth day, Goddess succeeded in killing the wicked demon. So, the Vijayadashmi day is celebrated as 'Dussera' and it is the most auspicious day of all. It was the day on which evil was finally destroyed by good. It marks a new and prosperous beginning.Dasha Hara in Snkrit means removal of ten bad qualities in a person: "Kama -Lust, Krodha-Anger, Moha-Attachment, Lobha-Greed, Mada-Over pride, Matsara-Jealusy, Swartha-Selfishness, Anyaaya-Inhjustice, Amanavta-Creulty, Ahankara-Ego". Vijaya meaning Victory and Dashmi-meaning ten bad or negative qualities.
On the tenth day; that is "Vijayadasami", in the evening, a pair of Marpachchi doll or any one doll from the Golu is symbolically put to sleep to mark the end of that year's Navaratri Kolu. Prayers are offered to thank God for the successful completion of that year's Golu and with a hope of a successful one the next year. Then the Golu is dismantled and packed up for the next year.
Like any festival, Golu also has a significant connection with agricultural economy of ancient India. It is said that in order to encourage dredging and de-silting of irrigation canals and riverbeds the Golu celebration was aimed at providing demand for the clay material got from such activities. There are many peculiar customs and beliefs in different parts of India that imbue sacred status to clay.
This year theme-NEWS--Ladhak-Great Himalayan Mountain Range, Golden Temple of Amritsar, Rajasthan Desert and folk, Temples of South and Kerala Elephant Palaquins. To the North-East- Green Forest and wild animals.
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