INTRO

Namaskaram! I am Usha Sriram and we are based out of NJ, USA. Golu is a tradition followed by both sides of my family and we have been continuing the tradition for the past 15 years. This is our way of sharing our culture and traditions with the next generation.
The main theme for this year’s GOLU is Parama Pada Sopanam – ‘Steps to the highest place’ . With us embark on a mesmerizing journey through "Parama pada sopanam," a captivating game played on the auspicious day of Vaikunta Ekadesi, celebrated for its spiritual significance. Explore the game's symbolic representation of the ascent to spiritual enlightenment, with ladders denoting virtues and snakes representing earthly challenges, all intertwined on this sacred day. To add some color we have converted the snakes to have demon heads .So you might spot Kumbakarna, Ravana and Hiranyakashipu to name a few. Fun fact the popular game of Snakes and Ladders is based on this game.
Alongside this spiritual quest, behold the splendid amalgamation by a passionate father-daughter team, depicting "The Four Seasons in America and the Evolution of Transportation." Traverse through the captivating transformation of American landscapes during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, paralleled with the fascinating evolution of transportation, from traditional horse-drawn carriages to cutting-edge modern marvels. The main theme was a joint family effort whereas the sub-themes were the creative constructs of my 10 year old daughter who was ably helped and guided by my husband
For Evolution of Transportation Systems, we chose to represent how the three modes of transport namely, Land, Air and Water evolved over time.
For Land we depicted how humans first domesticated animals to carry them over long distances. Then we showed how the first vehicles like chariots and carts came into being with the invention of the wheel. Then we showed how the industrial revolution brought along with-it cars trucks and trains and then we moved on with showing how each of these progressed with time
For Water we first had river boats which were invented by the Egyptians. The industrial revolution brought the Steamboats and Ships and its numerous advancements which we have tried to show.
For Air we started with the Hot Air Balloon and then progressed to showing different versions of the airplane, helicopters and military aircrafts
Finally we have the railroad engines Steam, Diesel and Electric
For the ‘Seasons of America Theme’ we have tried to showcase the four seasons in the US namely Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.
For Spring we have tried to show ‘Cherry Blossoms’, people welcoming Spring and our very own groundhog .
For Summer we have depicted using a Farm that is being cultivated and harvested.
For Fall we have tried to depict how the landscape totally changes, with greenery being replaced by bright reds and oranges.
We have portrayed winter through lots and lots of Snow and the Christmas Spirit
GOLU is supposed to represent the Universe in Miniature. Our Golu Universe this time is a blend of Man’s Progress, Nature and Spirituality. We sincerely hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you