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Intrinsic display of ‘Bommala Kolavu’ and their tales
In Short
Discover how families in Visakhapatnam keep the traditional Navaratri Bommala Koluvu (Golu) alive with intricate clay idols, mythological themes, and cultural heritage.
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Intrinsic display of ‘Bommala Kolavu’ and their tales
Visakhapatnam: Whether it is ‘Bommai Golu’ or ‘Golu’ or ‘Bommala Koluvu’ or ‘Bombe Habba’, the intricate display of dolls, idols of Gods and Goddesses, ‘clay-matic’ themes and the mythological tales narrated along with them in dedicated rows takes centre stage in many households during Navaratri.
Every year, assorted figurines, clay idols, wooden crafts and painted dolls—some passed down from family elders, while others get newly added to the collection—are rearranged in a thematic pattern.
The trunks, cardboard boxes and sealed bags are drawn out of the lofts and cupboards to unpack, clean, and meticulously place them back on silk-sari or white-dhoti layered ‘padis’ (shelves). Each theme finds its place on the shelves.
Apparently, arranging the dolls takes days. From carefully unwrapping the idols and dusting them well to sun-drying some and giving others a coat of paint, significant effort goes into the exercise, which becomes a shared responsibility for the family members.
The mandatory ‘marapachis’, the wedding set, the re-appearing ‘Dasavatharams’, the powerful Nava Durgas, sages in a meditating pose, Lord Rama with His Consort Sita, brother Lakshman and ardent devotee Hanuman, the Setti-Settamma and assorted essential supplies spread before them in miniature containers, the ‘koneru’ (pond)-included rural setting, among several others form a part of the ‘Bommala Koluvu’ setup.
Once the padis were set, menus were charted for ‘neivedyam’, return gifts were packed along with other items for the traditional ‘thamboolam’ each visiting woman receives, Golu-hopping becomes the sought-after ritual during the festival.
“Golu-hopping is something we always look forward to now and then. The themes depicted in each home vary. Decades before, the festivities used to be the best time to spend with relatives and cousins without any screens,” recalls CK Raja Lakshmi, a Tamilian.
For the past 20 years, renowned dermatologist Gandikota Raghurama Rao and his wife G Shanti have been continuing the tradition of setting up Bommala Koluvu at their residence. With a wide range of clay idols, dolls, wooden and ceramic handicrafts dotting the steps, their home at Nowroji Road becomes the most favourite place for visitors during Navaratri.
“The dolls and idols were sourced from various parts of the country. There are over 1,000 idols that form a part of the koluvu collection. Along with highlighting mythological themes and other tales through the display of idols, the idea is to promote our tradition and culture among the younger generation,” they explain.
Decades back, setting up ‘Bommala Koluvu’ used to be an intrinsic part of Dasara in most residences. However, it is a different scenario now as only a few continue with the age-old tradition in urban households.
