Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the divine feminine, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, one of the most distinctive and culturally rich traditions associated with Navratri is the display of Golu. This vibrant and artistic celebration brings communities together and highlights the region's deep-rooted customs and artistic heritage.
What is Golu?
Golu, also known as Bommai Golu or Kolu, is the festive display of dolls and figurines. These figurines are arranged in a tiered fashion on steps, typically ranging from three to eleven levels. Each step, or "padi," symbolizes an aspect of life, spirituality, or the divine. Some people have followed this Golu tradition for many years. The practice fosters creativity, artistic expression, and a sense of community. Families invite friends and neighbours to view their Golu, exchange sweets, and sing devotional songs, making it a time of social bonding and cultural exchange.
Why is Golu displayed during Navratri?
Navratri, a vibrant and auspicious Hindu festival, celebrates the battle between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura, representing the victory of good over evil. Navratri Golu is a celebration of the Trinity Goddesses – Parvathy, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi. It culminates with Dussehra, also known as Saraswati Puja and Vijayadashami. While Navratri in the northern states of India, especially Gujarat, is marked by dance and music festivals featuring Dandiya Raas and Garbha Dance, in the southern states, it is celebrated as a festival of decor and music. Golu displays can be set up with 3, 5, 7, 9, or even up to 11 steps. On the Navratri days, the arrangement of the Golu (dolls) from lower to higher steps signifies the evolution of life forms and the progressive journey of the soul towards enlightenment.
How to set up Golu?
In the Tholkappiyam, the concept of Golu is explained very clearly. Let's look at how to arrange Golu dolls in a way that we can understand.
- First step: Dolls of One-sense beings like trees, plants, creepers, and flowers
- Second step: Dolls of Two-sense beings like snails and conch shells.
- Third step: Dolls of living beings like crabs and ants.
- Fourth step: Dolls of Insects, reptiles, and flying creatures.
- Fifth step: Birds and animal figurines.
- Sixth step: Dancing dolls and human figurines depicting human activities such as marriages, business, and dancing can be placed to represent these practices.
- Seventh step: Dolls representing revered spiritual figures who have transcended ordinary human status can be placed. This includes great personalities like Swami Vivekananda, Vallalar, and the Kanchi Maha Periyava.
- Eighth step: Divine avatars like Ashta Lakshmi and the Dashavatara.
- Ninth step: Idols of the three major goddesses—Parvati, Saraswati, and Lakshmi—along with a full Kalasam (sacred pot), and include an idol of Lord Ganesha (Pillaiyar).
The process of setting up the Golu is an elaborate and joyous affair. Preparations begin well in advance, with families cleaning and decorating their homes. The steps, made from wood or metal, are covered with beautiful fabrics in vibrant colours like red, yellow, or green. The dolls and figurines, typically made from clay or wood, are then carefully arranged on these steps.
Thamboolam Tradition
Golu is also a social occasion where relatives and friends are invited to view the doll display, join in the prayers, and partake in the celebrations. Guests are typically served light refreshments and prasadam (sacred offerings of food).
Each woman is presented with a Thamboolam, a tray containing auspicious items such as kumkum (red powder), turmeric, betel leaves, flowers, fruits, sweets, and return gifts like a designed bowl, Bangles, etc. For children, gifting like pencils, pen set, sketch pens, etc. Thamboolam is believed to invite the presence of Mahalakshmi. By offering Thamboolam to guests during Navratri, you ensure they leave your home feeling happy and cherished, which is said to attract the blessings of Lakshmi.
Daily Rituals and Offerings
The arrangement of Golu is as much an act of devotion as it is decoration. Each evening, a lamp is lit, aarti is performed, and devotional songs or shlokas are chanted. Offerings (prasadam) like fruits, sweets, and the nutritious sundal (a seasoned legume dish) are prepared and shared with family and guests. Colourful kolams and fresh flower garlands further enhance the festive atmosphere.
Simple and Mini Golu
Even those with limited space or resources can set up a smaller Golu. Mini arrangements of three or five steps are popular, often dedicating each level to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. DIY stands using cardboard boxes or planks are common, and many devotees even create homemade “flat dolls” using printed images mounted on stiff backing.
A single creative tableau, such as a Ramayana episode or a wedding scene, is enough to capture the spirit of Golu. The essential elements are odd-numbered steps and the inclusion of goddess figures.
Special Note: Even if you do not have the tradition of setting up Golu or are unable to do so for some reason, there are still meaningful ways to observe the festival.
Those who cannot set up Golu can still worship deities by decorating them with flowers and performing daily prayers. Throughout the nine days of Navratri, prepare and offer a different type of grain each day as Neivedyam (sacred food offering) to the goddess.
Golu – A Living Tapestry of Devotion
Navaratri Golu is much more than a festive display. It is a living tradition that blends devotion, creativity, and community. Dolls become storytellers, teaching ancient wisdom to younger generations, while each family adds its own unique touch to the display.
By illustrating the journey from nature and humanity to the highest divine forms, Golu reflects the very essence of life under the protective gaze of the Mother Goddess. Through art, ritual, and cultural sharing, this tradition continues to keep India’s spiritual heritage alive and vibrant.
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