Celebrating with Toys – Tamil tradition of Dasara
The tradition in Tamil Nadu (there are certain areas in Andhra and Karnataka also) is to arrange toys in thematic fashion and invite all the neighbourhood joy the festivities all through the Navaratri. This is the Dasara festival for Tamilians and this arrangement of toys is called Bommai Golu. Golu in Tamil means ‘Divine Presence’.
Young women of the household arrange dolls, figurines, court life, everyday scenes, along with idols of Goddesses Saraswati, Parvati and Laxmi. The arrangement of colourful dolls and figurines on a step-like frame is an occasion to socialise and gives creative expression to ideas of young members, particularly girls and women of the family.
The Golu or display of dolls has an odd number of steps as per tradition, which is considered auspicious. Every tier has a different legend or religious, mythological theme. Modern themes on current affairs are displayed in the open area in front of Bommai Golu.
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.
Significance of Bommai Golu
The Bommai 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. This is the time of the year that you revisit those precious lessons from timeless, age-old stories. The steps may also be interpreted as the evolution ladder that we are all traversing in the journey of life.
The dolls are placed on multiple steps in the house – in odd numbers. The numbers could vary from one to 11 depending on the number of dolls available for display. Many families place nine steps, each step representing the nine days of Navratri. Some keep three, five or seven steps as well. The steps are covered with a decorative cloth, and the dolls are placed on it.
Arrangement of Toys for Bommai Golu
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. According to tradition, the dolls of Goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati and the wooden dolls called the Marapachi Bommai are always a part of the arrangement.
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. Business is usually represented by the Chettiar set of dolls, with shop items and the Marapachi couple dressed in colourful clothes.
It is a custom to add at least one new doll every year. The Golu could be a mode of telling ancient stories such as Ramayana or Bhagavad Gita or it could simply depict the evolution of life from animals to the sages and seers.
Rituals of Bommai Golu
The Navratri Golu can be kept between three and nine days, and the assembly of dolls is worshipped twice each day.
On the auspicious day of Amavasai (no moon), the Navaratri preparations start by setting up the steps, decorating the homes and temples, and lighting the streets. The nine days of Navaratri start the day after this.
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. Ayudai pooja (worship and thanksgiving to tools and implements and vehicles) is performed. Gratitude is expressed for all kinds of vehicles (such as buses, cars, and trucks) and tools (such as water pumps, chisels, hammers, and the plow).
On the tenth and last day, Vijayadasami, the day of victory, is celebrated. This is considered the most auspicious day of all – to start new ventures and journeys, and a day to start learning new skills. On this day, the Golu dolls are symbolically put to sleep, and then, packed the day after. Till they are brought out of their boxes the following year.
Most people light lamps, draw colourful kolams (rangoli or floor decoration), perform aarti, recite shlokas (holy chants), and offer special dishes, especially a protein-rich dish called sundal (made of legumes), with some sweets and fruits every day.
During the Golu set-up, women invite other women and honour them by gifting betel leaves, coconuts, fruits, flowers, bangles, turmeric, kumkum (vermilion powder) and prasadam (devotional offering of food made for the Divine and then distributed among people).
It is an ideal time for families to display their creativity. The festival is a delightful reminder of the rich and colourful historical and cultural heritage of India! A glorious occasion to eat and meet in harmonious communion!
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