Wondering what it is.. oh its nothing other than Navratri..in South India for a Brahmin community.I really though I should write something about this cute festival when some colleague of mine what Navratri depicts.Then I had to sit and bog my head and get out some significances which was taught to us when we were young.The concept of Golu though has grown exponentially by creating all innovative stuff to make it more modern rather aunthentic!
The word comes from the Tamil Kolu and refers to a sovereign sitting on the throne. The dolls of this festival are meant to represent the Goddess Mahishasramardini as she sits on her throne prior to slaying the demon Mahishasura.The dolls are just kept on artifically constructed steps in the odd number list.
The first 3 steps indicate the God rules us and all forms of God statues goes there.
The next 3 steps are where the Rishis and Maharishis are made to sit.
The last set goes to the labourers and other common men.
The last day is the well known Saraswati pooja where we worship that Goddess Saraswati stays with us throughout our life.
In North India, there is no concept of "Dolls" . They fast for all 9 days eating only fruits and nothing grown from plants.
They also perform the Ashtami Puja by inviting young girls in the count of odd number and feeding them food and giving gifts.
Mine was always a typical south Indian Golu with sundal,vethalai paku, singing at all the houses and back home with gifts! Missed it a lot for sure!
We sure miss these little thrills and moments being away from home!!!
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