Interesting Golu Facts And Decoration Ideas

In Tamil Nadu, Navratri is also called Golu Pandigai. As part of the festival, they arrange dolls and figurines on wooden planks or steel stands.

The idols can be of gods and goddesses, mythological figues, ordinary people like farmers, artisans, etc., and even animals.

People add to their collection every year. Some dolls have been in a family for many generations.

People take pride in their Golu collection and invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to see their Golu display.

Golu display also has a deep meaning. It illustrates the hierarchy of spirituality and the essence of life.

The dolls are displayed on a fabric-covered stand of wood or steel, which has an odd number of steps (3,5,7, 9, or 11) .

The figurines are arranged on the steps in a certain order.

Each step has its own significance and represents various phases of life and spirituality.

Arranging the Golu Padi/Steps

Steps 1 to 3 are for the Gods.

Steps 4 to 6 are meant for the demigods and enlightened people like Swami Vivekananda, Meerabai, Shirdi Sai Baba, etc.

Step 7 showcases festivals and rituals.

Step 8 is for the display of daily activities like agriculture, cooking.

Step 9 is meant for wooden dolls called Marapachi Bommai that are given to a bride when she gets married. They will be used when she makes her own Navratri Golu at her husband’s house.

• Dolls of birds and animals are to be placed on the base step
• Dolls of ordinary human beings and businessmen should occupy the next step.
• The next step should feature the demigods and enlightened men like sages and saints.
• The step above this should have the avatars of different deities.
• The topmost step should display the Trimurti and Goddess Durga.

Thus, the bottom-most step displays the lower forms of life like animals and birds, followed by ordinary human beings, who are followed by those who have evolved on the spiritual scale like saints and sages, and finally the divinities will be on the highest shelf.

Lastly, ensure you serve Tambulam to the women visiting your house to see your Golu arrangement.

The Tambulam should have betel leaves, areca nut, vermilion, a blouse piece, a small mirror, coconut, and turmeric powder

Once Navratri ends, pack the dolls carefully and store them in a clean place for the next year’s celebrations.

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