Navaratri Golu, also known as Bommai Golu or Bommala Koluvu, is a vibrant home-based tradition predominantly celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh during the nine nights of Navaratri. This festival brings together devotion, creativity, and community spirit, and is especially cherished by women and children.
1. Setting Up the Golu Steps
At the heart of the celebration is the tiered display of dolls arranged on wooden or steel steps (called padis). These are usually in odd numbers – 3, 5, 7, or 9. The top tiers are reserved for divine figures such as Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Rama, Krishna, and Shiva, while the lower tiers may include saints, animals, traditional village scenes, wedding sets, toys, and even modern themes.
2. Daily Pujas and Offerings
Each day, families perform pujas with devotional singing (bhajans), chanting, and lighting of lamps. Sundal, a protein-rich dish made from different legumes like chana, green gram, or black-eyed peas, is offered as naivedyam and distributed to guests. Some homes also perform Saraswati Puja on the 7th or 8th day, revering books, musical instruments, and tools.
3. Social Visits and ‘Haldi-Kumkum’
It is customary for women and children to visit one another’s homes to see the Golu, exchange small gifts (tamboolam), and receive turmeric, kumkum, flowers, and betel leaves. This fosters a strong sense of community bonding and joy.
4. Themes and Creativity
In recent times, Golu has evolved into a creative storytelling medium. Families choose themes such as Indian epics, traditional village life, conservation, or social messages, and craft entire miniature worlds with dolls, handmade items, and lighting. Children often participate by making crafts or helping set up scenes.
5. Vijayadashami – The Grand Culmination
On the tenth day, Vijayadashami, the Golu is symbolically dismantled. It marks the victory of good over evil, and is considered an auspicious day for beginning new learning, especially music, dance, or studies (Vidyarambham in Kerala and Tamil Nadu).
This home-centered festival is a celebration of culture, creativity, devotion, and togetherness, beautifully integrating tradition with evolving artistic expression.