Navaratri, Durgapuja, Dussehra.....Call it by any name......

....the essence is the same, the celebration of 'good over evil.'

Of all the countries in the world, I believe no other country celebrates life like we do. Be it food, nature, seasons, gods, saints, lights we just celebrate everything and this season it is  the celebration of Good over evil.  A pan Indian festival which has different names in different regions. 

In Southern india, the display of dolls called 'Golu' is a practice followed in most homes.

This is the golu at home this year.

The thanjavur painting, the dancing shiva, the ganeshji, the marapacchi toys, the chennapatna toys, the rajasthani couple, thanjavur  bommai, the brass kitchen toy set

                                            Each doll has a little story to tell....

                               /ganeshji writing Mahabharat in Sage Vyasa's hermitage, a kondapalli creation(Andhra Pradesh) beside is the bobbing thanjavur Raja Raja chola doll in blue.

The marapacchi toys(redsanders) and the tiny brass kitchen set from the 1940's

                             even the yarn lights that you see here has a story to tell. This was made by my daughter. She dyed the jute threads and wound them over a balloon smeared with fevicol. Once dried the balloon is bursted while the yarn takes the shape of the balloon.

This is one of the oldest golu bommai, which was passed on to my Mil from her grand mom. more than 100 year old heirloom, made in Mannargudi.   It is a decor piece at home, for which i am not able to find an antique polish.

                              The aerial view of this park/village created by my son has industries,wells, pucca houses, buildings, roads( all from old 'the game of life' board game)  cars and bullock carts:)I loved his explanation for each. 

So, that's golu at home for the next 9 days, one of my favorite festival.

Meanwhile, From my home to yours....

Shubh Navaratri.....enjoy the festive season:)