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| Happy Navaratri greetings .makingdifferent.com |
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| simple home display of Navaratri Golu. shellysavonlea.net |
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| 2023 Golu festival, Chennai Alamy.com |
Navaratri, one of the most celebrated Hindu festivals, is a vibrant and spiritually enriching period observed over nine days. It marks the triumph of good over evil, celebrating Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura. While Navaratri is observed with great devotion across India, the festival takes on a unique cultural manifestation in Tamil Nadu, where it is marked by the traditional display of "Golu" or "Kolu." This practice, distinct to South India, transforms homes into showcases of devotion, artistry, and cultural storytelling.
The Festival of Navaratri: Significance and Celebrations
The word “Navaratri” literally means “nine nights,” symbolizing nine different forms of Goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. Each set of three days is dedicated to one of these goddesses, signifying strength, wealth, and wisdom. During these nine days, families across Tamil Nadu immerse themselves in rituals, prayers, and fasting, invoking the divine feminine energy. The evenings are marked by cultural activities, devotional singing, and dances such as Bharatanatyam and the traditional "kummi" and "kolattam" folk dances. In Chennai city where 'Gollu, Navratri, Garba and Durga Pujo' are beginning to show glimpses of their presence. In some places near busy temples, Pandals are being temporarily erected to display festive costume and doll made of clay and ceramic.
Temples are also adorned with intricate decorations, and special prayers are offered. In places like Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple, Navaratri is celebrated with grandeur, including the ceremonial procession of the deities around the temple complex. So are Kapaleeshwarar temple, the Big temple, Thanjavur, the Parthasarathy temple and the Ranganathaswamy temple of Srirangam,etc
Community gatherings, sharing of prasadam (food offerings), and visiting family and friends are integral to the festivities.
The Unique Tradition of Golu
One of the most distinctive aspects of Navaratri in Tamil Nadu is the setting up of Golu, a step-like arrangement of dolls and figurines depicting gods, goddesses, mythological scenes, and everyday life. Typically set on an odd number of steps—ranging from three to eleven—these arrangements are displayed prominently in homes. The dolls, usually made of clay, wood, or brass, include representations of various deities, animals, mythological characters, and even historical figures. Most South Indian families are decking up their homes with attractive Golu dolls. In the homes of people in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka an, Andhra Pradesh and part of south Kerala one can see a variety of display of figurines carefully arrayed in their homes.
The tradition of Golu is deeply rooted in the concept of showcasing the cosmos’ hierarchical structure, with the gods at the top, followed by sages, humans, and animals at the lower tiers. This symbolic representation emphasizes the interconnectedness of life and the order of the universe.
Each Golu display is unique and often tells a story or theme that the family chooses for that particular year. Themes can range from episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to depictions of rural village life, social themes, and environmental issues. Families take pride in their creativity, and children often look forward to helping arrange the dolls and crafting miniature landscapes.
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| Srirangam temple Golu 2015, Scroll.in |
Bommai Golu: A Display of Heritage and Artistry
The dolls used in Golu, known as “Bommai,” are not just decorative items but carry rich cultural significance. Traditionally passed down through generations, these dolls are a testament to Tamil Nadu’s artistic heritage. Some families possess rare and ancient dolls that have been preserved for decades. One of the highlights is the “Marapachi Bommai,” a pair of wooden dolls symbolizing prosperity and fertility, often dressed in new attire each year.
In addition to the traditional dolls, many Golu displays include modern interpretations, incorporating miniature models of temples, cultural scenes, and even global events. This blend of tradition and innovation makes Golu a dynamic and evolving form of cultural expression.
Social and Community Significance
Navaratri Golu is more than a religious observance; it serves as a platform for social interaction and community bonding. Some traditional families display more than 1500 dolls carefully preserved for a generation or two. Families invite neighbors, relatives, and friends to visit their Golu displays, exchange sweets, and sing devotional songs. This creates a warm, festive atmosphere and strengthens social ties. Moreover, gifting small tokens like bangles, betel leaves, and coconuts to visiting women is a cherished tradition during this period.
Through Navaratri and Golu, Tamil Nadu celebrates not only the divine feminine power but also its artistic heritage, cultural richness, and the importance of community spirit, making this festival an integral part of Tamil identity.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/viral-and-trending/250919/navratri-prep-begins.html
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