Navratri Craft Ideas-How to arrange navratri dolls?
Navratri in South India is celebrated as Bommai Golu, which quite literally means festival of dolls. Households, particularly in the state of Tamil Nadu, arrange a wide variety of dolls neatly and place them on steps (called as Padi). The steps are either made from scratch inside the homes or purchased and installed as a permanent fixture in the homes.
Padi for navratri doll
Navratri dolls are neatly arranged on Golu Padi or steps (called as Padi) specially designed for navratri dolls. The number of steps depends on the number of dolls available for show, and is usually an odd number – 3, 5 or 7. The dolls are of different forms and varieties and mostly involves idols of different gods along with forms of birds, animals, people, fruits, vegetables and other everyday objects.
The dolls have similarities as well as differences when compared across different households as one’s faith and upbringing play an influential role. The planning for Dussera or Navratri takes place months in advance with the ladies manning the rudder. Old dolls are sometimes reused but more often new ones are purchased and the collection is updated with the latest arrivals. Kids and elders jointly help around the house to build miniature models and set up the dolls for display. The dolls display significance in the nine day festival, with the first three days devoted to Shakti (Durga, Kali, Ambal), Lakshmi reigning the next three (symbolising wealth) and the final three days being devoted to Saraswati for knowledge.
Arranging Navratri dolls
There is no specific rule as to where each doll should go where, but generally the idols of deities are placed on the top steps, while the bottom ones are reserved for human, animal and other dolls. The number of steps usually are in odd numbers. The elephant-headed god Ganesh leads all the other dolls.
Popular Bommai Golu collections include Lord Krishna’s Ras Leela, Ganesha’s different poses, Dasavathar set, Shiva and Parvathi, a marriage party and a grocer set complete with grocery items. Goddess Durga is invoked during the Mahalaya Amavasya day, during which the dolls are brought out and set up on the Padi.
The steps are covered with a clean sheet of cloth so as to provide a bright backdrop for the colorful display. At the centre of the topmost step, a Kalash or auspicious coconut placed inside a brass or silver pot is kept. Following this, the Marapachi dolls are brought out. Marapachi dolls are a male and female pair of dolls that is present in every Golu. The doll couple is decked with fine garments and ornaments made of decorative materials and placed on the steps.
Ornamental Decoration
Creativity and inspiration are the essence of a Golu, so come up with your personal ideas on how to make it a rich display. There is no limit to what can be done and spending some time with the dolls can be a break from the monotony of working life.
Many dolls are made from recycled materials at home and some people devote their time and money to build professional models. A home-made fountain or volcano, a temple on a hilltop, a world famous park or forest etc are some of the popular homemade decorations.
Fancy lights, flower garlands and patterns, rangoli designs, beads and handicrafts also greatly enhance the beauty of a Golu. Apart from being a decorative item and religious belief, the dolls represent a deep cultural facet of India.
