cover image of celebrate Navratri with me with idols/golu of Sarawasti Devi
Hy Local Guides,
From October 3rd to 13th, it is celebrated as Navratri in India. In my childhood, Navratri is one of the big festivals that gave joy and happiness. This festival is important as it is celebrated across India. I mostly know the story but wanted to know more about the Golu (dolls) used in the Pooja and its significance. I came across Meenakshy V who I interviewed and she has knowledge about these festivals. She is a retired bank employee living in Trivandrum, Kerala. She has also been known to give interviews to the media regarding this festival. Let’s get into what she has to say.
golu pooja in Meenakshy’s house
Story behind Navratri
There was an asura (a class of beings in Hindu religion that are described as power-seeking and enemies of gods) named Mahishasura who got his wish to be killed by a young girl with the power of all gods. As he knew it was impossible to happen, he was creating problems towards gods and humans. For a solution, Rishis (Hindu saints) came together and worshipped every god to collect their power/energy. As a result, a young girl (known as Chandika Devi) was born with the power of all gods. She battled Mahishasura for 9 days and killed him on the 10th day. That 9 days was known as Navratri and the 10th day as Vijayadashami or Dussehra.
Golu/Bommai
Golu is a small idol that is placed during the 10 days of Navratri. Golu commonly known as Bommai is used to decorate Navratri Pooja. They hold significant value and culture of this festival. Back when humans started to see Sun and Moon as Gods, we started to carve dolls/golu from woods to represent those gods which were called ‘Marapachi’. After we discovered clay pots, golu was converted into heated clay figures. As you may know, there’s five eternal elements in Hindu Puranas (Earth, water, fire, air and space). When a clay golu is made, these five elements are made in contact with the Golu. For example: when clay is made, earth and water are mixed and fire is absorbed when clay is heated. You guys can see various beautiful Golu during the Navratri season. Some golu represent each day and have a story to tell. Krishna, Devi, Ganapati and Hanuman are the common deities used as Golu during this time. Golu is placed in many levels that can only be in odd numbers (as you can see in the above/below image).
Meenakshy standing near to her golu collection.
Cultural importance
Navratri is said to be a big festival which spans 10 days. On the first day, people place their equipment (which can be related to arts, education and tools) for Pooja. Only on the 10th day, it is said to be taken after the Pooja. Various arts and cultural performances are going to happen on that 10th day to give respect to the pooja and what they offered to the pooja. Cities around India light up during that 10th day to celebrate the Vijayadashami.
golu pooja in Meenakshy’s sister’s house
I thank Meenakshy for making this post and for giving me an interview.
Comment down your views and thoughts about Navratri days and share Golu photos from your home or other places.
@TusharSuradkar @TravellerG @AjitThite @Gurukrishnapriya @PrasadVR
