Tomorrow is the start of Navarathri.
For the uninitiated,Navarathri or "Nine Nights" is a Hindu celebration of the "Shakthi" or "Goddess". The Hindu Goddess is worshiped in three forms - Durga (Goddess of valour), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Saraswathi (Goddess of learning).
Kolu is a South Indian tradition involoving a display of dolls of (traditionally) the deities of Hindu Mythology. Of course, this then expanded to include all kinds of doll display. It is a typically "ladies" function were the women of the household set up this display, invite their friends and family over, and in turn be invited to theirs - a few days of hectic, heavy duty socialization, if you will.
We had great fun setting up the kolu today. My parents-in-law helped us set it up. The dolls are displayed in a "step" like arrangment, comprising an odd number of stairs. These days people have ready-made steps that can be dismantled and stored, but we prefer to do it the old-fashioned way - use all kinds of odds and ends about the house, including bricks, table tops, wooden panels and hard bound books to build our steps. Of course, it does not look as "neat" as the readymade steps, but I feel the imperfections give it the human touch.
The dolls are usually packed in news papers and stored in the loft after each Navarathri season. We brought down the boxes of packed dolls yesterday and unwrapped them.
"Is this height alright for the third step?"
Like I said, random stuff go into building the steps.
"Mmm..is this stable enough to hold the dolls?"
Would you have guessed what went into the steps if you saw only the following picture and not my labelled diagram of parts ?
The kid wanted a kolu of her own...
And the Tundra scene we hand-made
The three Goddess. The Saraswathi on the silver throne is 200 years old and has been handed down to me through many generations.
YOU ARE INVITED.
The whole setting has come out chic & concise accommodating all traditional Gods. Vasundara's igloo house is in a beautiful surrounding. Let us enjoy the next 9 days.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 10/07/2010 at 08:00 PM
What a lovely job you all have done. It looks spectacular. I also like the picture of your husband and your daughter. She looks proud that she was able to help! What a big girl. Thank you for sharing this celebration with us. I did not know about it and appreciate you telling me the details. Super pictures. I liked the way you showed us what is under the white curtain!
Posted by: Account Deleted | 10/07/2010 at 11:22 PM
Freedom, thanks. I think this is a nice tradition to pass on to my kid.
That is my father-in-law, not husband. He always helps us set up the kolu.
Posted by: LG | 10/08/2010 at 07:01 AM
Mami..Mami..Kolu vecha sundal.
Have kept a simple Kolu at my place as well -Not as elaborate as yours.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 10/08/2010 at 02:29 PM
Super! The excitement is indeed catching up. Would be in Chennai between 18th to 20th - would just miss your golu. But am sure your pics would make it up.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 10/08/2010 at 04:40 PM
Aravind ambi, No sundal today, only kesari.
Rama, yes, you'll visit our kolu here.
Posted by: LG | 10/08/2010 at 09:25 PM
You moved! ...visiting your blog after a long time :)
Golu looks good...my golu padi has a bookshelf, side table, books, diaper/wipes boxes :)
...V reminds me a lot about my childhood...igloo was one of the fun things I did as a kid...I made it using coconut shell...and cotton...:)
Posted by: Imse.blogspot.com | 10/08/2010 at 09:32 PM
Imse, I didn't move voluntarily. I was kicked out of VOX kicking and screaming.
Igloo here was made with bhel puri cup, A4 size paper, black sketch and lots of gum all over the house.
Posted by: LG | 10/10/2010 at 07:42 AM