Dolls are kept during Dasara, particularly during the nine-night festival of Navaratri, as part of a revered cultural and spiritual tradition to invite blessings, depict mythological narratives, and foster community bonding. This practice, known by various names such as Gombe Habba in Kannada, Bommala Koluvu in Telugu, and Golu in Tamil, transforms homes into vibrant displays of creativity and devotion.
The Significance of Dasara Dolls
The tradition of arranging dolls during Dasara goes beyond mere decoration; it holds deep religious, cultural, and social significance:
- Symbolic Invitation of Deities: The dolls are believed to represent various deities, sages, mythological characters, and even scenes from daily life. Arranging them is an act of inviting divine presence into the home, particularly the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, whose divine energies are invoked during Navaratri.
- Ritualistic Worship: The dolls are not just static figures; they are ritually worshipped throughout the celebrations. This involves daily prayers, offerings of special foods (naivedyam), and the chanting of hymns.
- Nine Nights of Navaratri: Many households arrange the exhibition of dolls on nine steps, symbolizing the nine nights of Navaratri. Each step often represents a specific aspect or theme, creating a visual narrative of spiritual progression and storytelling.
- Depiction of Life and Mythology: The displays often include scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, significant puranic stories, and everyday life scenarios. This serves as a unique way to pass down cultural values, historical events, and mythological tales to younger generations.
- Core Figures: Central to many doll arrangements is a pair depicting a husband and a wife. These figures often symbolize prosperity, fertility, and the continuation of family traditions and generations.
- Community and Social Bonding: The doll displays encourage families to visit each other's homes, admire the arrangements, exchange gifts, sweets, and savories. This fosters a strong sense of community, camaraderie, and sharing of cultural heritage.
- Artistic Expression and Creativity: The annual arrangement provides an opportunity for families to express their creativity, collect new dolls, and design elaborate setups, making each year's display unique and personal.
Regional Variations and Practices
While the core essence remains the same, the practice of displaying dolls during Dasara has charming regional variations:
| Region | Common Name | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Gombe Habba | Focus on diverse dolls, often with mythological themes and social messages. |
| Tamil Nadu | Golu | Emphasis on goddesses, usually with a tiered step arrangement (Padi). |
| Andhra Pradesh/Telangana | Bommala Koluvu | Intricate arrangements, often including dolls made from clay and wood. |
| Kerala | Bomma Kolu | Less prevalent than in other southern states but shares similar traditions. |
During these celebrations, especially in South Indian homes, women and children often sing devotional songs, perform traditional dances, and conduct small pujas in front of the doll arrangements, making the entire experience a holistic blend of spirituality, art, and community joy. The dolls serve as a focal point for family gatherings and cultural education, embodying the rich heritage of Dasara celebrations.
