Navaratri Golu

South-Indians, the ones from Tamil Nadu and Kerala Tamilians celebrate Navaratri by what is known as "Navaratri Golu". During the nine days of Navaratri, a set of dolls (known as "bommai") is displayed on steps (known as "padi"). The number of steps are supposed to be in odd numbers - 3, 5, 7, 9 or 11.

One of the most important part of the display is the Kalasam. It is a brass pot with a coconut on mango leaves. This coconut is not changed throughout the nine days of the festival. The Kalasam is to be kept on the first step. A "kutti-valakku" (traditional lamp) is also lit near the Golu. Kolam (rangoli) is put in front of Kolu.

The dolls consist of various Gods and Godesses. The dolls may vary from house to house. But one doll that is considered mandatory is "Marapaachi". It is a pair of wooden dolls of a boy and girl. They indicate fertility.

Throughout the nine days of Navaratri, various kinds of prasads are made and offered to God. Ladies from the neighbourhood, relatives, and friends are invited to see the Golu. They are given kumkum, manjal (turmeric), comb, mirror, fruits, and some gift as per one's capacity.


Every night, aarti is taken of the dolls. The aarti is prepared by mixing kumkum and chunna (lime) with water. This solution is then thrown somewhere outside the house. It is considered as removal of "drishthi" (evil eye).

The nineth day is the day of Saraswati Pooja. On this day, all the books that are regularly used are kept in front of Devi Saraswati - The Goddess of Wisdom and Knowledge - and prayers are offered. On this day, kids are not supposed to study or read - one of those rare days when parents don't allow to children to study. Tools are also placed as a part of "Ayudha Pooja". Vehicles are also decorated and pooja is performed.

On the tenth day, the day of Dusshera also known as Vijayadashami, is considered as the most auspicious days of all. Its the day marking the end of evil, destruction of the bad, and the start of a new year. New ventures are started on this day. The books that were kept for Saraswati Pooja are taken and read out. Small kids are made to start writing on this day. This is usually done in temples like Mookambika Temple at Kollur and Guruvayur Temple at Guruvayur.

On the eve of Vijayadashami, one of the dolls are symbollically made to sleep by making the doll lie down. The kalasam is also moved a bit towards north to mark the end of Navaratri for that year. Prayers are offered to thank God for helping successfully complete this year's Navaratri and also pray to provide opportunity to keep Navaratri Golu for the next year.