As per tradition, Golu (the festival) is celebrated by arranging figurines of gods and goddesses on steps to narrate mythological stories.
A figurine display festival, Golu Padi (steps) is celebrated by Tamilians to observe Navratri.
Preparation for the nine-day festival, a Worli-based Tamil family begins work on this as soon as Ganeshotsav ends. As per tradition, Golu (the festival) is celebrated by arranging figurines of gods and goddesses on steps to narrate mythological stories.
Speaking about the festival, 62-year-old Saraswati Rangarajan, who has been celebrating Golu since childhood, said, "We start preparing well before the festival. The dolls are cleaned and placed on the Golu Padi (steps) a day before the festival begins."
She said, "We begin with installing a Ganesha figurine, moving on to other dolls later. This year, we are installing dolls of Rama, Laxmana, Sita, Hanuman, a set of the Dashavataras —the ten avatars of Vishnu, a set of goddess Durga, Laxmi, and Saraswati, and another set of Mahavishnu, to name a few. Our theme is Shabrimala temple this time."
Traditionally, wooden dolls named Marapaachi, a couple that holds different significance for different families. For Rangarajan's family, the couple represents lord Vitthal and his consort Rakhumai. Also, as per custom, the number of steps must be odd. One can increase the number of steps, but can't reduce them beyond a certain limit.
At Rangarajan's, they install five steps of golu padi every year. Saraswati makes it a point to wear a traditional Kanjivaram saree during Navaratri and prepares a variety of food to offer to the goddess. She said, "We don't consume onion and garlic during these days. After performing the puja for one and half hours on every day of the festival, I give away presents to any woman, girl visiting us during these days."
During Navaratri, girls and women visit their relatives' and friends' houses and also invite others to visit their golu. Usually, sundal is offered to the goddess and keeping a kalasam, an auspicious brass pot with rice and daal, with mango leaves & coconut on top, is a must.
"Earlier, I used to organise bhajan sessions, too," said Saraswati.
The ninth day of the festival is dedicated to the worship of goddess Saraswati, wherein children are initiated into the first stage of learning. On the tenth day, Vijayadashami (day of Victory) is celebrated.
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 "Golu Padi-Hemant Padalkar/DNA")
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