The golu takes a patriotic turn for Navratri

The annual Devi Navratri festival, known for its vibrant display of golu, or Golu, has begun with a unique twist this year. The tradition, celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Telugu states, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, involves worshipping the goddess and artistically arranging golu that symbolize various deities and stories.

This season, the Golu market in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is abuzz with a new kind of offering: golu crafted in the likeness of Indian Armed Forces commanders and soldiers. This unique collection is a tribute to the recent success of "Operation Sindoor," and it has been a huge hit with locals.

According to veteran doll maker Saravana Kumar, who has been in the business for two decades, this year's creations were inspired by a desire to blend tradition with contemporary patriotism. "Every year, the sales of Golu golu increase during Navratri," he said. "This time, to commemorate the story of Prahlad and to mark the success of Operation Sindoor, I have made golu of the commanders of the three services of the Indian Army."

The new designs are attracting a lot of attention and have become a popular choice for Golu displays. Sriram from Vedavalli, a resident, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We set up a doll market at our house. This time, the Prahlad set and the golu of the commanders of the Indian Army are impressive. We will definitely be setting them up at our house."

Beyond the new additions, the Golu festival holds deep cultural significance. It is considered a crucial platform for adults to introduce children to the rich narratives of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavata. The meticulously arranged golu serve as a visual aid, helping to keep these mythological and historical stories alive for future generations.