Navarathri Special: Golu 2013

As part of the Navarathri celebrations, everyone, particularly in South India, keeps Golu in their houses on Mahalaya Amavasai which is an auspicious day. This year, Navarathri celebrations began on October 4, 2013; Vijaya varusha Purattasi 18am naal (Mahalaya Amavasai).

Golu is generally kept in odd number of steps (padi) [3, 5, 7, 9 or 11] for nine nights. Ladies of the house set up the Golu with a lot of involvement and exhibit their handicrafts and toys (made of clay and wood) arranged aesthetically. This is a modest way for them to use their imagination and display their skill and vision of various themes. Women visit each other home during this time from the day following Mahalaya Amavasai. Thamboolam is given to sumangalis as its considered very auspicious particularly during this period. Women make varied kolams and light lamp (Villakku) in front of the Golu in the morning and evening similar to that done for the Athu Koil Azhwar (home deity).

Different types of sundals and sweets are prepared for amsai and distributed as prasadams to guests and visitors. The guests are insisted on showing their talent during this time through various means including singing or playing (instruments) carnatic music in front of the Golu among other things.

During this Vijaya Varusha Navarathri, readers of Anudinam are invited to showcase their Athu Golu in Anudinam. Kindly send us photographs of Golu kept in your house or nearby temples with a brief description along with your name and location to get it published. These details must be mailed to srivaishnavanews@gmail.com.

Here is showcasing the Golu of some of the Anudinam readers…

Golu at Sri Kannan Vasan Battar’s Kudil At Therazundur

Golu at Vanamamalai Divya Desam, Nanguneri

Golu at Thriuvallur Sri Veeraraghava Swamy Divya Desam

As a part of Vijaya Varusha Navarathri Uthsavam, for the first time Golu was organised at Sri Kanakavalli Nayika Sametha Sri Veeraraghava Swamy Temple. The Kolu was organised on a Thematic concept of Avatars of Vishnu, showcasing 1) the Origin and significance of Sri Vaidya Veeraraghavar, 2) Dasavatharam, 3) Ramar Pattabishekam and 4) Krishna Leelas. In the words of a Bhakta: “The golu was scintillating and marvellous.”

Golu at Smt Godhanagesh’s Kudil At Basaveshwarnagar, Bangalore

We have been collecting these dolls for the last 15 years. The dolls are from different parts of the world. Ninety per cent of them are from different states of India.

Golu at Sri K Rangarajan’s Kudil At Maraimalai Nagar, Chennai

Golu at Sri Kausthub’s Kudil 

I am keeping Golu for the past 12 years. This year apart from the traditional 5 step Golu i have kept a theme golu called festivals of India and also a day in a village. Emphasis is given to hand made dolls mostly made by us. All family members take an active part in arranging the golu.