INTRO

Vanakam, this is Nisha here. This is our 7th year of Golu display for Navarathri and our 4th thematic display.
This year’s Navarathri theme holds a special place in my heart: the Batu Caves Murugan Temple—one of Malaysia’s iconic must-visit destinations. When I first envisioned this theme, I had no idea how or where to start. All I knew was that I wanted to capture the temple's powerful and sacred presence.

Every element in this display has been handcrafted with love and devotion, with careful attention to detail to symbolize the essence of this revered place. The 272 staircase, made from ice cream sticks, has been individually hand-painted to replicate the vibrant colors that line the real steps leading up to the temple. The majestic cave formations in the background were crafted using recycled newspaper, each piece shaped to reflect the towering beauty of Batu Caves. As for the temple and its gopurams, I used foam, meticulously hand-carved and painted to capture the awe-inspiring grandeur of the structure.

By the grace of Lord Murugan, everything fell into place perfectly, and I am deeply grateful for this experience. This entire project wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement from my parents, who stood by me every step of the way.

We also set up the classic 9-step golu padi, with the topmost steps dedicated to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswathi, followed by the Dasavatharams and Carnatic music saints. Beautiful dolls depicting the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Raasa Leela, and the love of Yashoda for Krishna grace the steps. Each doll tells a story, and every step feels like a tribute to the doyens of divine narratives, bringing the epics to life.

This display is truly a labor of love and devotion. I hope it resonates with you all, just as it has filled my heart with immense joy.