Keeping alive ‘Bommai Golu’ tradition in Navratri
Renuka Suryavanshi from Pune Pulse spoke to few Tamilian families who keep Kolu or Golu at their homes during Navratri.
The Kolu is the essence of Navarathri celebrations. Earlier, preparations for the kolu would begin months in advance. The dolls, wrapped in cotton rags and neatly stacked in huge wooden trunks, are carefully taken out, dusted, mended and sometimes, given a fresh coat of paint. Some artistically inclined women would craft a couple of new dolls for the occasion each year.
Indira Rajnikanth, a resident of Princetown Royal society in Undri has kept the decoration on the theme of Covid19 and Ram Mandir. She says, “There are five steps with installation of idols from Ramayana and the current pandemic of Covid19.”
Mahesh Iyengar, public relations officer, Southern Command shared his Golu pics. He said, These idols have been with us for the last 100 years.
“This year Dasara Kolu in our House: Every year during Dasara we arrange dolls. We build miniature forts and temples. We invite friends, share sweets and wishes. It has always been the time for cheer, good wishes and festivity.
2020 has been different. This year all dolls in our Kolu have masks. They maintain social distancing norms. In stead of fort or temple, there is a tower in honour of Carona warriors. Also, in keeping with National Education Policy, there is a special place for ‘Each one Teach one’. No invitations even for close friends. Just sharing wishes through mobiles and WhatsApp messages. And prayers for healthy and happy future for all, ” said Sathya Mani and Prof G S Mani, Konark Indrayu Enclave I
Mallika Padmanabha, a resident of Flower Valley in Wanowrie shared her Kolu pictures. She said, “This year Maa Durga is in the house. We have kept the decoration simple.”
Radha Sridhar, a resident of Archana Greens on Salunke Vihar road in Kondhwa shared this year the theme simple Covid19, not much of decoration.
Shanthi Subramaniam, a resident of Sunshree E 3 on NIBM road in Kondhwa informed that this year’s Kolu decoration has been quite simple. But even in this simplicity Maa Durga makes her presence in the house with positive vibes.
