All You Need To Know About Golu, The Vibrant Doll Festival Of South India

Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Bommai Golu

[{"selector":"#anim-6a6f9277-e20a-43f6-a31e-669b23cad8f5 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.29687488651016%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Golu, also known as Bommai Golu, is a traditional display of dolls and figurines during the Navaratri festival in South India. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

South Indian Festival

[{"selector":"#anim-7dc9747e-4c56-4d41-b8aa-1379db4a652d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The festival is widely celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where it is also called Gombe Habba and Bommala Koluvu. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Odd-Numbered Tiers

[{"selector":"#anim-8be07455-06c8-4b1e-b03b-f71d2981a424 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-11.394101642416512%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Golu displays are typically arranged in odd-numbered tiers, often ranging from three to eleven steps Credits: Flickr

Special Themes

[{"selector":"#anim-26279644-c2a9-41da-a85c-23f66ba34c71 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Dolls in the display represent gods, goddesses, animals, and mythological scenes, with special themes sometimes chosen each year. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Artistic Arrangement

[{"selector":"#anim-a52d5a0f-7ecc-430d-9ff5-0ea345e0b11c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.26171863629683%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The festival promotes creativity and storytelling, as families showcase their collections and arrange them in artistic ways. Credits: Flickr

Family Tradition

[{"selector":"#anim-e51ce672-20d6-4cd6-bb02-e770d17a5c8e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.29687488651016%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] It is a time for families to come together, as the dolls are passed down through generations, preserving family traditions. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Traditional Rituals

[{"selector":"#anim-146f44fd-f960-45ae-bafd-f7b208ae02c7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-24.434403282684926%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Golu is accompanied by traditional rituals, including chanting, music, and exchanging gifts or sweets with visitors. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

Festive Period

[{"selector":"#anim-2911c224-1927-4a90-ba56-cf87faf79c6c [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The dolls are taken down at the end of Navaratri, signifying the conclusion of the festive period, and carefully stored for the next year. Credits: Wikimedia Commons

[{"selector":"#anim-4d82e0ff-6b3c-4e36-957e-40b9da3c7cb1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-12.332589057149901%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] How do you celebrate Navaratri? Credits: Wikimedia Commons