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Navratri 2026: With 4,500 Dolls, Chennai Attempts World Record With 47.8 Ft Tall Golu

Golu Navratri chennai

Cover Image Courtesy: @chnvoc/X

Golu is the festive display of dolls and figurines in South India, particularly during the Navratri celebrations. This year, Chennai is all set to attempt a world record for the world’s tallest Golu at 47.8 feet. Here’s everything you need to know about this tradition and its significance.

Chennai Attempts World Record With 47.8 Foot Golu During Navratri

Navratri celebrations are in full swing in many parts of India. Many people are fasting, while many regions are gearing up for Durga Puja celebrations. But are you aware of the special Golu tradition? It is a traditional South Indian festival display of dolls and figurines arranged on stepped tiers. The display is one of the most important cultural highlights in Chennai and across Tamil Nadu during Navratri.

Colourful dolls are made from clay or papier-mache, and families arrange them on an odd number of steps, usually 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11. The dolls show different themes, from Hindu gods to mythological stories and social themes, too. X user, @chnvoc uploaded a video showing the display at SPR City. 

This year, SPR City in Perambur has unveiled its 47.8-foot-tall Golu as part of SPR City Navratri Utsavam 2026. According to Deccan Chronicle, the entire display features 4,500 dolls and marks a world record attempt for the height of a Golu installation, in association with the World Book of Records, London, UK. These dolls celebrate Indian culture and represent stories and different aspects of humanity.

Also Read: Beyond Garba Nights: 10 Incredible Gujarat Experiences To Add To Your Navratri Road Trip

10-Day Festival To Feature Daily Poojas, Music & More

According to Deccan Chronicle, SPR City Navratri Utsavam is welcoming everyone to see this installation. The 10-day festival will also feature daily poojas, cultural programmes, music and many activities to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of Navratri.

This is an amazing tradition, right? Though this is a public display, many people also build Golu displays in their homes during Navratri and invite people to see them, sing songs and enjoy festive food. The steps on which the dolls are displayed represent a soul’s journey from earthly life on the lower steps towards spiritual enlightenment on the topmost step.

According to Wikipedia’s Golu article, the dolls also represent the divine presence of the goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Lakshmi in Tamil, Kannada and Telugu households during Navratri.

Also Read: Dholida Dhol Re Vagad! 15 Garba & Dandiya Nights In Delhi-NCR To Twirl Into This Navratri

So, tell us, did you know about this beautiful tradition?

Cover Image Courtesy: @chnvoc/X

FAQs

What is the Golu festival?

Golu is a South Indian tradition in which dolls and figurines are arranged on stepped tiers during Navratri.

How do people celebrate the Golu festival in South India?

People arrange dolls on stepped displays (Golu), invite friends and family, sing songs and enjoy festive food.

For how many days is Navratri celebrated?

Ashmeet Guliani: Ashmeet Guliani is a Content Writer at Curly Tales with over three years of experience writing about food, travel, fashion, and lifestyle. With a B.Sc in Home Economics from the University of Delhi, her interest in reading and writing led her to pursue a career in writing. In her free time, she explores cafes, browses bookstores, listens to Hindi retro songs, and watches K-dramas!