Table of Content
Navaratri, a nine-day symphony of devotion, resonates across India, celebrating Goddess Durga's multifaceted power. It culminates in Dussehra, marking the victory of good over evil, with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana. Each night, a different avatar of Goddess Durga is venerated, not merely for her strength, but for the profound message of female empowerment and the eternal triumph of righteousness over evil, as embodied in Durga's victory over Mahishasura. In South India, this spiritual narrative transforms into a tangible celebration of community and tradition: the Nine-Day Dolls festival. Tamil Nadu's Bommai Golu, with its intricate doll displays, becomes a living tapestry of culture in Navaratri and Dussehra, mirrored in the regional variations of Bommala Koluvu (Telangana and Andhra Pradesh) and Bombe Habba (Karnataka).
INTRODUCTION
Representation of Gods from Indian Mythology Pantheon as Golu Dolls
Source: Vinoth Baskaran, Vinoth Baskaran, Golu Dolls, March 18, 2025.
The Golu Dolls are traditional dolls crafted by artisans in South India, meticulously arranged on tiered wooden frames, serving more than just artistic expressions; they are vessels of cultural memory. Each doll, hand-painted and crafted from humble materials like clay and papier-mâché, whispers tales of Hindu mythology and everyday life, fostering a sense of shared heritage and community spirit. They embody the divine feminine energy, Shakti, paying homage to Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, not just as deities, but as symbols of strength, prosperity, and wisdom.
Within the stepped Golu displays, a clear hierarchy unfolds: deities grace the highest tiers, saints, kings, and scholars occupy the middle, and scenes of village life and traditional activities populate the lower steps, creating a visual representation of social and spiritual order.
Beyond their regional origins, Golu Dolls serve as a powerful medium for cultural transmission. They ignite conversations, foster creativity, and strengthen community bonds. Their journey to international recognition speaks to their universal appeal as unique cultural artifacts, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling and the importance of preserving traditions that connect us to our past and inspire future generations
Raja Rani themed Golu Dolls
Source: Vinoth Baskaran, Vinoth Baskaran, Golu Dolls, March 18, 2025, March 18, 2025.
History and evolution of Golu dolls
Golu dolls, with their long and rich history, have evolved over time while steadfastly preserving their cultural and religious significance. These 'Golu' displays, meaning 'display,' are vibrant narratives, depicting Hindu mythology and scenes from everyday life. Each hand-painted doll, known as Bommai, reflects the community's artistic spirit. Cherished for generations in South Indian households, Golu dolls maintain a continuous cultural tradition. Traditionally, Kulalar artisans, masters of their craft, hand-molded each figure from local clay and papier-mâché for Navratri celebrations, meticulously drying and painting them with vibrant natural dyes.
Over the years, these dolls evolved with papier-mâché and terracotta, improving transport and durability. The continued use of the inherited techniques in papier-mâché enhanced artistic detail and finish.
Golu doll displays have evolved with changing materials, designs, and themes. Initially religious, displays now include diverse figures like the Dashavatar (Ten Avatars of Vishnu) , epic narratives (Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela), folk tales, and historical personalities. Alongside traditional themes, Golu displays now feature social messages— women empowerment, environmental awareness, and modern professions—making them more engaging for younger audiences.
Process of making Golu dolls
Moulds Used for Shaping Golu Dolls
Source: Vinoth Baskaran, Vinoth Baskaran, Golu Dolls, March 18, 2025, March 18, 2025.
The process of making a traditional Golu doll is complex and requires as many as five steps. The process begins with designing the doll based on religious, mythological, or social themes. A basic clay or plaster mold is prepared, which helps shape multiple dolls of the same design. Artisans carefully handcraft finer details on the mold to ensure the dolls have distinct facial expressions and ornamentation. Once the mold is prepared, it is layered with clay or paper-mache. The paper-mache paste is prepared by mixing paper pulp, tamarind paste and chalk powder.
Drying of the Golu Dolls
Source: Vinoth Baskaran, Vinoth Baskaran, Golu Dolls, March 18, 2025, March 18, 2025.
The dolls are then sun-dried and additional parts are assembled using natural adhesives. Once the dolls have dried, they are carefully sanded to remove any rough edges and ensure a smooth surface. However, the dolls cannot be painted just yet. A thin layer of chalk powder and water paste is applied to prepare the surface for painting.
Painted Golu Dolls with protective coating left for Drying
Source: Vinoth Baskaran, Vinoth Baskaran, Golu Dolls, March 18, 2025, March 18, 2025.
Each doll, along with all of its parts and accessories is hand-painted using natural and synthetic dyes. The face, eyes, and fine details are carefully drawn, giving each doll a unique expression and character. Some dolls are further decorated with gold foil, fabric, or embellishments for an enhanced look. Once the dolls are completely dry, they are covered with a protective coating of varnish or lacquer to make the dolls long-lasting and moisture-resistant.
Conclusion
Lastly, Golu displays are as unique as the families that create them, standing as vibrant testaments to both tradition and innovation. While the cherished, handmade clay and papier-mâché dolls continue to hold a special place in the hearts of devotees, the craft has gracefully adapted to modern demands. Artisans now explore diverse materials like plaster of Paris, wood, and fiber, and employ techniques ranging from mold-based designs to machine painting, ensuring the longevity and accessibility of these cultural treasures. This evolution, reflecting changing times and cultural narratives, has not diminished the essence of Golu, rather, it has amplified its reach.
The enduring spirit of community, embodied in families inviting friends and neighbors to share stories and sweets around their Golu displays, remains central to the tradition. This intimate exchange, coupled with the global reach facilitated by modern media, has propelled Golu dolls to international recognition. They are not merely exported as commodities but collected as cultural ambassadors, carrying stories of Hindu mythology and South Indian heritage across borders. Thus, Golu dolls, in their journey from humble clay figures to internationally recognized artifacts, serve as a powerful reminder of how tradition can thrive through innovation, cultural exchange, and the unwavering spirit of community.
References
- Sahapedia. “Dolls That Are Worshipped: Golu Dolls of Tanjore | Sahapedia,” n.d. https://www.sahapedia.org/dolls-are-workshipped.
- The Art of Living. “Navratri Bommai Golu | Significance of Golu Dolls.” Art of Living (United Arab Emirates), n.d. https://www.artofliving.org/ae-en/navratri/bommai-golu.
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Trotter, Globe. “‘Bommai Golu’ | a Unique Tradition of Displaying Dolls During Dussehra.” The Globe Trotter, n.d. https://www.theglobetrotter.co.uk/2021/10/bommai-golu-navratri.html.
