Golu – The Indian Festival of Dolls

Who celebrates Golu?

It is customary in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh & Karnataka, as well as in some Tamil communities within Sri Lanka, to display Kolu. 

What does the word “Golu” mean?

?

Meaning of Golu ….

In Tamil, it means Court or Divine

Presence In Telugu they

call it Bommala Koluvu which means “Court of Dolls”

GOLU

When do we celebrate Golu?

Golu is celebrated during the 9 days of Navratri

The last day is Vijaya Dasami or Dasera

Why do we celebrate Golu?

Golu represents the divine presence of 3 Goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Laxmi in the Kannada ,Telugu and Tamil households during Navaratri (Nine nights).

The Kolu is a festival of dolls … Predominantly with that of the gods and

goddesses depicting mythology and typical village scenes.

It is a traditional practice to have at least some wooden dolls.

There should also be a figurine of a boy and a girl together called 'Marapacchi' Bommai” – meaning Wooden Dolls.

How many steps does a typical Golu have?

9

Why 9 steps or padis?

9 ways to worship Devi (Devi = Goddess)

9 planets or Navagrahas. 

And of course, 9 ratris! (ratri = night)

If you can’t do 9 then….

it should be in odd number of tiers such as like 3, 5, and 7. 

From the bottom to top, the length of the steps

should reduce

Which dolls sit where?

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Insects and Reptiles

Birds

Animals

Ordinary Human Beings

Noble Persons – Freedom Fighters etc

Enlightened Ones

Gods & Goddesses

Gods & Goddesses

Kalasam (Holy Pot)

What does this mean?

If, ordinary human beings have good thoughts and does good to others, they will be raised to great men, then to saints and finally merge with God.

On the other hand, if they tend to have bad thoughts and do evil to others he will go down to animal level and step by step become an insect in future lives! 

The science of Golu

Why are clay statue and doll based festivals celebrated towards end of

or after the rains?

ExamplesGolu

Ganesh ChaturtiDurga Puja

To remove excess mud / clay …

Such festivals increase demand for clay

The clay suppliers take out the clay from canals and river beds

This results in automatic dredging and de-silting and prevents future flooding

Smart No ?

What do people do on Golu days?

Visit each others houses to admire Golu decorations, for haldi kumkum, sings songs, AND….

Eat SOOOONDAL ….

SOONDAL – a spicy dish made of boiled gram or beans or groundnuts

Did you know Golu is celebrated in Japan too !!!! ?

The Japanese call it Hinamatsuri , that is Doll's Day or Girls' Day.

They celebrate it on March 3rd

Red carpet covered Platforms are used to display a set of ornamental dolls representing the Emperor, Empress, attendants, and musicians in traditional court dress.

Court of Dolls