Bringing families together

Chennai: With Navarathri just a few days away, Chennaiites are gearing up for kolu which has become a pointer to the harmonius blend of tradition and modernity in today’s fast-paced life. While several families continue the tradition of keeping kolu for generations, there are many others, even those in nuclear families, who have started arranging dolls on steps to enjoy the festival and play host to friends and relatives for nine days.

Kolu, besides kindling the festive spirit in family, helps in bringing one’s creativity to the fore. Five, 7 or 9-step kolu is a passé. It is thematic kolus that make a mark with the whole family trying to weave a theme around the colourful dolls available with them.

“Last year, we focused on Vinayaka in our kolu. We had idols of Lord Ganesha in all sizes and hues displayed in an aesthetic fashion. Since Lord Ganesha is popular God and worshipped by all, the kolu was an instant hit with visitors, ” says Mrs Kamala of Purasawalkam. “This year we are planning to do a special on weddings. We have doll sets depicting wedding scene, the bride-groom procession, dancing girls and music concert. They will share the limelight this year,” she added.

Navarathri also provides an opportunity for friends and relatives to catch up with each other. “Though we stay in touch with friends and other family members on cellphone, inviting them for kolu and visiting their homes is fun indeed. Sharing sundal and sweet items with a cup of coffee or soft drink with near and dear ones after a long time can be a wonderful experience,” says Ramya, a journalist.

With kolu dolls beginning to dot the mada streets in Mylapore, dolls made in Kosapet continue to remain popular. A doll-maker in Kosapet said dolls sporting sparkling jiggina powder and village deities made of papier-mâché have caught the attention of buyers this season.

Amarnath of Mylapore trio, who has been into promoting the significance and relevance of kolu for last two decades, said,” For the first time, Srirangam temple will have an elaborate display of kolu dolls in 1,000 pillar mandapam this year. We have been invited by temple authorities to get the kolu ready.”