Bommai Golu : Behold the stories!

Its evening 6pm. Sumathi is ready to welcome her neighbours.

A mami from the neighborhood hurriedly enters Sumathi’s house.

“Seekram,give me the vettila pakku”,She was in quite a hurry .Taking a pinch of vermilion and turmeric from the plate,she picked up the betel leaves along with the gifts packets,said a quicker goodbye and left.Sumathi’s face filled with dismay.The guest had not even bothered to stop and look at the dolls that Sumathi had so carefully and lovingly arranged.

Alas! A regular Navaratri scenario off-late it seems.

Bommai Golu

1. 
   

The Navratri Golu depicts scenes from ancient times – of celebrated Indian stories that have been passed on from generation to generation like the Ramayana, Puranas, and the Dashavataram. This is the time of the year that we need to revisit those precious lessons from timeless, age-old stories. The steps may also be interpreted as the evolution ladder that we are all traversing in the journey of life.

A festival that is meant to celebrate social living ; families visiting each other with gifts ,to view and chit-chat over the golu display, sharing festive foods and stories of their childhood Golu, and playing music or sing devotional songs together.

The gifts,the food and the decor is not what matters;The cheer ,the mindful presence ,and the purpose at a neighbor’s place is all that we need to revoke the traditional and cultural emotions of our land.

Lets reflect,revive and rejoice the 9 days of Navratri with patience, joy and purpose.Lets also tell our little ones the stories through which the dolls of Golu come alive in every home on every step.