As a kid, it is our dream to spread all the toys on the floor playing with each toy in all its glory. However, the play time always ends up with a background of our mothers calling out to clean the mess we made. Is it not every child's dream to play with our toys while being encouraged and praised by our family.
If you are from South of India, buckle your belt to take a tour to your childhood memories. If your from up the North, you will know one of the fun traditions of the South, you would be excited to follow.
During the auspicious nine days of Dussehra, many homes of the south are adorned with a parade of various toys which is famously known in many names. In Tamil, Bommai Golu or Kolu means Divine Presence, in Telugu, Bommala Koluvu means Court of Toys, and in Kannada, Bombe Habba means Doll Festival. The tradition is followed during Navaratri/Dussehra and are kept between three and nine days, and the assembly of dolls is worshipped twice each day. In some other places like Andhra, follow this tradition during Sankranti (Pongal) for three days.
On the auspicious day of Amavasya (no moon), the Navaratri preparations start by setting up the steps (usually set up in odd numbers of 1,3,5,7 or 9). The first step is decorated with a kalash (ceremonial jar). The water-filled jar is decorated with a coronet of mango leaves, and a coconut is placed on top of it. It is considered to represent Goddess Durga. Idols of deities are placed on both sides of the kalash. The next few steps have idols of saints and heroes of the country. One of the steps represents human activities - depicting functions such as marriage, temples, and an orchestra or music band. It is a custom to add at least one new doll every year.
On the ninth day, Saraswati Devi, the Goddess of learning and knowledge, is worshipped. People place books and musical instruments next to the Golu arrangement. On the tenth and last day, Vijayadasami, the Golu dolls are symbolically put to sleep, and the Kalasa is moved a bit towards North to mark the end of that year's Navaratri golu which are then, packed the day after.
It is very interesting to look back at the history and understand the origin of this tradition. The Golu depicts scenes from ancient times - celebrated Indian stories that have been passed on from generation to generation like the Ramayana, Puranas, and the Dashavataram. It brings all the family together, sharing stories with each other while the elder of the family educate the young as they revisit the precious lessons from timeless, age-old stories and the world outside all the while sparking the creative young minds while arranging the toys in interesting ways. Most of these toys come from Kondapalli and Etikoppaka (both crafts have received Geographical Identification - GI). Alongside, women from the neighbourhood invite each others house visiting the Golu, creating a social gathering. The steps may also be interpreted as the evolution ladder that we are all traversing in the journey of life.
On this occasion, I want to mention one of the famous art: Kondapalli known for their famous wooden carved toys with bright colours. Kondapalli toy making is a 400-year old art form that originated in Krishna district Kondapalli town, Andhra Pradesh. The artisans are said to have migrated from Rajasthan to Andhra Pradesh in the 16th century. The Geographical Indication of Goods Act, 1999 marks Kondapalli for its specific toy-making practice, aiming to preserve the reputation and native artistry of the region. These craftsmen are generally referred to as Aryakhastriyas or Nakarshalu. The toys are crafted from the local abundant tree known as "Tella Poniki" and are cut into blocks where the wood is warmed to reduce its weight further. Later, different aspects of the toys are crafted and pieced together through a lubrication made of 'Aakra' paste with tamarind seeds and sawdust. Under the patronage of ancient rules, Kondapalli toymakers used natural vegetable dyes for colouring. With the advent of modernism in art, many have shifted to synthetic paint.
Every household of South India has a memory of treasuring the Kondapalli Bomma and the celebrations of Golu: A celebration for the child within you.
Nice article dear.. Keep it going.. You brought back some fantastic nice memories.. Good one sis..