Can a widow celebrate navratri and keep golu

[Lakmahrang]

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Can a widow celebrate navratri and keep golu

 

[prasad1]

Can a widow celebrate Navratri and keep golu

Is it a religious or social question?

Religion does not bar you from doing it. Society may have a different position depending on the location and your friends.

If your friends will come do the celebration, but be prepared for criticism from your non-friends.

 

[prasad1]

Golu is the practice of using dolls to pass on cultural stories, beliefs and practices. It brings together people to exchange ideas and gifts. Yes, there are good and bad stuff associated with how this tradition has been carried forward systematically.



Golu is a practice of celebrating Navaratri, a Hindu festival, which was mainly done at temples in the olden days. People came together to celebrate navaratri, perform various Pujas as per their tradition, volunteer/ donate as per their financial status, and promote the temple economy. Traditional art forms were performed at the temple during these festivities. Over time, this got passed on within certain castes only due to their proximity to faith based duties. That has brought it unnecessary exclusivity and left out many others from celebrating their own Gods and Goddesses using this template of Golu. I have not come across Golu dolls of rural Gods/ unique Gods so far. It is also a patriarchal festival, whose roots rely on it being propagated only in families where girl children were born. And it was a married woman festival mainly.

There are many things to be acknowledged about Navaratri and Golu practice. The exclusive and regressive parts of the practice has to be discarded, abandoned, and make way for a more progressive and inclusive way of celebrating Hindu culture. Dolls that include local Gods, village Gods, unique Gods should be promoted. Temples should keep dolls of all types of cultures, not just the ones belonging predominantly to certain castes.

 

[prasad1]

Navratri Golu: A Celebration of Devotion, Creativity, and Cultural Heritage


Navratri Golu, also known as Bommai Golu or Kolu, is a vibrant and colorful tradition observed predominantly in Tamil Nadu, as well as in parts of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. It is an integral part of the nine-day Navratri festival, dedicated to honoring the divine feminine in her various forms. What sets Golu apart is its unique fusion of devotion, creativity, and cultural storytelling — all showcased through the beautiful arrangement of dolls and figurines.

The Origins of Golu​

The origins of Golu can be traced back to ancient times, rooted in the belief that the cosmos itself was created through divine order and creativity. According to tradition, the goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are worshipped over the nine nights. The Golu display serves as a symbolic representation of this divine energy and the stories of good triumphing over evil. Each step or padi in the Golu arrangement is said to represent a layer of spiritual growth, culminating in the divine at the top.


Historically, these displays featured clay or wooden dolls handed down through generations, often depicting deities, saints, animals, and scenes from everyday village life. These figurines not only held spiritual significance but also served as a way to pass on stories, values, and culture to younger generations.

The Art of the Display​

Setting up the Golu is no small task. Weeks in advance, families begin preparing their displays, cleaning dolls, arranging steps, and deciding on themes. Traditionally, Golu involves odd-numbered steps — 3, 5, 7, or 9 — and the dolls are arranged hierarchically: gods and goddesses at the top, saints and scholars in the middle, and human or animal figures toward the bottom. The famous "Marapachi" dolls — a pair of wooden dolls symbolizing fertility and prosperity — are almost always a staple in any Golu.


In modern times, many families embrace themed displays. These themes can range from mythological stories and historical events to social messages like environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, or unity in diversity. Children often play a key role in these displays, bringing fresh ideas and participating in storytelling and dramatizations.

A Festival of Community and Sharing​

Navratri Golu is more than a home-bound celebration; it's a community affair. Families invite neighbors, friends, and relatives to visit their homes, view the Golu, sing devotional songs (bhajans), and share festive treats like sundal (a seasoned legume dish). In some communities, women exchange small gifts or haldi-kumkum as a token of goodwill and prosperity.


Children are encouraged to sing or recite slokas, fostering a sense of participation and cultural pride. In apartment complexes and temples, community Golu displays and competitions bring people together, reinforcing social bonds and celebrating collective creativity.

Embracing Change: Eco-Friendly and Thematic Golu​

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness about sustainability in festival celebrations. Eco-friendly Golu displays are gaining popularity, with families opting for clay dolls made with natural dyes, recycled materials, or handcrafted items made by local artisans. Some even build entire scenes using paper mache, organic materials, or reusable decor.


This shift toward conscious celebration not only protects the environment but also revives traditional craftsmanship and supports local economies.

The Enduring Spirit of Golu​

Whether you follow a traditional approach or explore contemporary, theme-based displays, the heart of Navratri Golu remains unchanged — it is a celebration of divinity, storytelling, and the enduring beauty of life. Through song, light, color, and community, Golu reminds us of the values that bind us together: devotion, creativity, and shared heritage.


As each generation adds its own touch to the Golu tradition, the festival continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in its cultural essence — making it not just a religious observance, but a living, breathing celebration of Indian identity.