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Celebrating 70 Years of Golu: A Divine Legacy of Tradition and Artistry

As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our Golu, we reflect on its profound significance. Golu, a vibrant display of dolls and figurines, symbolizes the victory of good over evil and fosters community during Navarathri. This year, we proudly unveil a remarkable collection that spans generations, featuring dolls from the 1960s to contemporary designs.

What makes our Golu unique is its living narrative. Each doll reflects a piece of our family’s journey, collected from different states across India and beyond, like Singapore and Malaysia. The display includes representations of all gods and goddesses, emphasizing our deep-rooted connections.

Our Golu Features - 7 Padi:

First Row: We begin with a majestic representation of Vishwaroopam, marapachi, featuring Aandal, Rangamannar, and Maha Vishnu, accompanied by Perumal Thaayar and Rathangi Sevai. This row embodies the essence of divinity and devotion, setting a spiritual tone for our Golu.

Second Row: Our Kula Deivam, Uppuliappan, stands proudly alongside Varaahar with Lakshmi, Modak Vinayagar, and Sakarathaazhvaar with Paavam Vilaku on the sides, representing our family's roots and the deities we hold dear. Each figure here reflects the strength of our traditions and the blessings we seek.

Third Row: The enchanting Thirupathi Brahma Utsavam unfolds in this row, capturing the grandeur of this beloved festival. It symbolizes the joyous celebrations that bring together devotees from all walks of life.

Fourth Row: The Dasavadharam with Sangu Chakkaram is showcased here, illustrating the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. This row serves as a reminder of the divine interventions that protect and guide us through life's challenges.

Fifth Row: Fully dedicated to Lord Krishna, this row celebrates the various forms and playful pastimes of our beloved deity. Each doll radiates joy, reflecting Krishna’s role as the ultimate protector and beloved friend.

Sixth Row: We honor the divine feminine with Maha Lakshmi, Durga, Saraswathi, and Ganesh, alongside the famous Ayodhya Ramar, Athi Varadar, and Krishnar uriiyadi set. This powerful assembly symbolizes prosperity, wisdom, strength, and auspicious beginnings, making it a vital part of our celebration.

Last Row: Our display culminates with human dolls, representing everyday life and community. It includes the Aazhwar set, Musical instruments Ganesha set, Kaamadenu, Hayagreevar Desigar, Malaysia Murugan, Singapore Merlion, Chettiar with his wife, fruits, vegetable sellers, and all 60-year-old Choppu Saman (kitchen set). The side row highlights Parthasarathy Perumal, the revered Srirangam Temple, colorful Aandal, and the vibrant scenes of Gajendra Moksham, Kaalinganardhanar, Kanchipuram Garuda Seva, and Dhanvanthri. It also features Thiruvannamalai Giri Valam with Rajasthan soldiers behind and rangoli sets, and the enchanting Kolhapuri Krishna Radha set, with Bharatanatyam dancers dancing around Krishna and Radha, along with a beautiful temple (Mani Mandapam) dedicated to Little Krishna at the top table from the side, with Gopikas, elephants, and engraved traditional shells across the sides.

We also have a serene park set that honors the relationship between humans and animals. The 50-year-old cute little dolls, chairs, birds, and animals in the park are all made by my grandmother, aunt, and her sisters by their own hands from scratch in the 1960s to 1980s. We love to celebrate them, so we honor their passion for making dolls by keeping them in our Golu just to remember our roots. This truly adds a personal touch to our celebration.

In a special tribute to the bond between humans and animals, we have included figures representing beloved animals like dogs, cats, camels, elephants, and various birds that play a vital role in our cultural stories and traditions. These additions highlight our commitment to honoring all forms of life, reflecting the interconnectedness of our existence.

Additionally, we have incorporated Ramar Paalam, our native Thiruvannamalai Giri Valam, Rangoli sets, Kerala boat houses with Sikkim traditional boy and girl, Tulasi maadam, and Theppa kulam (exclusively made by my grandmother).

As we reflect on 70 years of Golu, we celebrate not just the intricate craftsmanship of each doll but the stories and memories they encapsulate. This journey through our Golu is a testament to our family's enduring love for tradition, community, and spirituality.

Our Golu is not just a beautiful display of gods and goddesses; it is a testament to love, unity, and the artistry of skilled artisans across Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and many other Indian states. Our Golu honors our traditions while celebrating cultural diversity, creating lasting memories for generations to come.