My First Golu

The best part of having a mixed marriage is being a part of traditions and celebrations from two entirely different cultures (and of course the scrumptious food). This year, being my first year of marriage, I am just getting a taste of the beautiful traditions and rituals of my husband’s South Indian background .

Sadly, since a very dear soul parted from our family a short while ago, we haven’t celebrated the festivals the way they normally are; however, my in-laws are amazing enough to ensure that I at least get to see the traditions first hand at their friends’ and well-wishers’ homes.

This year was my first Golu celebration (also known as Navaratri Kolu ). Golu, is a festival where dolls and various figurines are kept on display for all the 9 days of Navratri. Along with them, are kept, various idols of gods which are prayed to as well as various idols depicting rituals or stories from Ramayana, Bhagvat Gita; and some even depicting stories from the individual’s travels. The idols are kept on steps which are odd in number .The number of steps at each house depends upon the display or decor they choose. Many even include the toys of their children or show pieces received. Each year the Golu display must have one new doll or figurine depending upon on the individuals choice. Each display is different and absolutely colourful... full of life! The happiness in the air of the household is exciting... and their enthusiasm to show you their Golu for the 100^th time is just admirable.

Golu is mostly done by the woman in the household. They visit each other’s home to see their decoration and have some delicious festive preparations. As the guests are about to leave, the host applies Haldi – Kum Kum and Chandan to the ladies and give them a gift as a thank you for their visit.

When I went to everyone’s house, I was pretty clueless and probably asked a lot of questions; but everyone was sweet enough to patiently answer and take me through their Golu step by step.

The first Golu I saw was put up by Mrs. Usha Ramesh who has been putting up her display since 1982!

Her Golu was full for idols of gods and figurines performing various rituals

And even had cricket match!

Here is a video of her explaining the set up to me : ( Psst do not miss Shrek’s guest appearance )

After Oru vaai coffee ( Yes, i had to show off the little Tamil I know.); we moved on to the next house.

The next Golu set up I saw was huge and was arranged by Mrs. Chitra Rangarajan. She has been taking part in the ritual for the past 30 years. Her display was an assortment of artifacts she and her husband had collected from their travels over the years...right from dolls, show pieces, toy cars to lanterns, nut crackers and bells.

Covered her Golu in two parts: 

The third house I visited did not keep a traditional Golu display; but kept the Idols of Saraswati, Parvati and Laxmi guarded by two elephants. A small display, but large in faith.

 

Mrs. Leela Mani, as always, welcomed me with a huge smile and a bundle of jokes. Her Golu was placed upon 5 steps. Each filled with various idols of gods and many memories. There was even a guest appearance by Swami Vivekanand and some beautiful sharpeners! She too has been decorating her Golu for the past 30 years. I loved the addition of the wooden fruits and from Sawantwadi, but their latest addition, the Ganpati idol, stole the show.

A video of Mrs. Mani's Golu :

My last stop was at Mrs. Shanthi Sundararaman ‘s house who has also been putting up her Golu for the past 30 years. Her Golu had some pretty interesting elements as well! A Raas Leela, guest appearance by Shivaji Maharaj and even the story of the thirsty crow.... there was also lovely little water fall and a well. My favorite part of this display was the beautiful set of colourful Ganpatis.

Take a look at the video of the Sundararamans Golu :

A huge thank you to all the wonderful families for inviting me over and letting me be a part of their lovely celebrations.

Visiting all these homes and watching their gorgeous displays has me all pumped up for our Krishnamurthi Golu next year! I have already started chalking down ideas for our set up... though currently me and my husband are arguing over adding Marvel or DC characters or a Team Superman Vs. a Team Batman set up.
Don’t be surprised if u see some minions here and there and everywhere! 

#OKBYE !

(Background score for the videos - Seeger - John Deley and the 41 players )