Golu tradition in South India: Story, culture and unique Navratri celebrations

New Delhi: Navratri 2025 is around the corner, and interestingly, different regions and states of India celebrate it uniquely in their own ways. This traditional festival is celebrated as Golu or Kolu, or Bommai Golu in the South Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. In this region, too, the festivity usually falls in September or October and is observed for nine days. The word Bommai Golu in Tamil translates to Doll Decoration, while Bommala Koluvu in Telugu means Court of Toys, and Gombe Habba means Doll Festival in Kannada.

The festival is a pivotal cultural event that unites people and displays creativity and artistry through doll displays. There is no upper limit on the number of Golu dolls, which are placed in steps with odd numbers. You can use only one step or three steps or nine steps, or more. The doll collection includes deities like Rama, Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati. Delve deeper to know about its history, themes, tradition, symbolism and more.

Golu is a crucial festival to celebrate the victory of good over evil. During this occasion, devotees invoke Goddess Durga’s blessings and celebrate her divine presence, as it is believed that her divine energy is at its peak.

The tradition of Golu began with the Vijayanagara Kingdom in 14th-century India, when displays of dolls and figurines were a part of royal Navratri celebrations to display prestige and power. The tradition spread from this region to states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu under the Nayakas and Polygars, eventually becoming a significant part of South Indian households during the Navratri festival.

The Golu arrangement typically includes an odd-numbered set of steps, usually three, five, seven, or nine tiers, adorned with multiple dolls and figurines.

These dolls represent various themes, such as mythological stories, deities, historical events, and scenes from everyday life. They are made of clay, wood, or modern materials. The themes can range from depictions of the Ramayana and Mahabharata to village life and contemporary social issues.

While traditionally the theme of the Golu dolls narrates the stories of the ancient epics, more recent renditions of the practice also tend to include contemporary social commentary.

Golu festival encourages cultural exchanges as well as communal harmony and unity. During the festival, women and children visit numerous households to witness the Golu displays, exchange gifts, and engage in cultural activities.

Additionally, many cultural activities and performances are held, including classical music and dance recitals, storytelling sessions, and devotional singing. These events display the region’s rich artistic and cultural heritage and provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and skills.

Kalash or pot is kept in the first step of the golu in the centre with idols of Ganesha, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi beside it. You can also keep the kalas and the idols of the gods on the last step of the golu at the bottom by keeping them on a pedestal.

Families perform special prayers and rituals by offering flowers, fruits, and sweets to the deities on the Golu display during the nine days. Families make ethnic delicacies and sweets for their family and guests.

On Vijaya Dashami, the last day of Navratri, Demon Mahishasura was defeated by Goddess Durga. In the evening, one of the dolls from the Golu display is symbolically put to sleep, and the kalash or pot is slightly moved towards the North, indicating the end of that year’s Navratri Golu display. Prayers are offered to show gratitude to the deities for the successful completion of the festival, with hopes for a prosperous and successful year ahead.

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After this, the Golu steps are carefully dismantled, and the dolls are stored carefully for the following year’s celebration. This ceremonial conclusion captures the spirit of the festival, emphasising the cycle of renewal, positivity, and the continuity of tradition.

Golu is not just a spiritual event but also a celebration of art, culture, and community bonding. It embodies the victory of good over evil, the significance of knowledge and wisdom, and the celebration of diversity and unity. The festival helps people carry traditional values and pass them down to future generations.