Traditional Golu Theme For Dusshera

Golus are traditionally made toys arranged in a manner to depict a picture or theme. It is an essential part of Navratri and Dussehra celebration. Also called Bommai golus, these dolls are usually handed down to generations in the family.

There are a lot of reasons for these Golu displays. People say that it is a way of invoking the gods into our homes. Some say that they are a reminder of our heritage and past. Nevertheless, they are interesting and certainly popular among the people. Different kinds of Golu dolls are displayed on wooden planks or of 5, 9 or 11 metal steps.

When Golu dolls are displayed in the house, a pooja is performed and silver or brass pots filled with water are kept near the dolls. Some leaves of mango tree are placed along with a coconut.

There are no set rules for the arrangement of these dolls. Anyone can choose a theme.

Here are some interesting Golu themes for this Dussehra festival.

Baby Themes

This is the cutest Golu theme and the most popular one. Baby Golu themes are a great way to announce a new addition to the family. Baby dolls and statues are common everywhere and these can be incorporated in this theme. Any objects relating to babies can also be used in this arrangement like baby shoes and teddy bears. Baby beds and cradles, which signify babyhood, are also used in this theme.

Chinese Dolls Theme

This is a unique theme for the Golu decoration. Modern-day Golu themes range from Cricket, fairy tale or harry potter themes. Where these themes require certain preparations, the Chinese doll theme requires only doll statues, which are easy to find. You can look around for inspiration and different props that you can use for the Golu decorations. Different dolls with elaborate costumes look pretty when arranged in a manner.

Traditional Golu Themes

This traditional Golu theme depicts scenarios of everyday life. The arrangement is done on a basic wooden shelf. The first shelf depicts a common market scene. On the second shelf is a basic household scenario with a man and his wife in a house. We can see some basic kitchen utensils and a few grains arranged in small plates. The third shelf contains a statue of a woman who is depicted as the powerful lady.

Shiva-Parvati Pooja Golu

This scene shows the pooja of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Maa Durga is widely celebrated during the Navratri and Goddess Parvati is said to be one of her Avatars. Seen here is a traditional pooja done of the God and Goddess. You can also see other major deities like Lord Krishna. This Golu display also represents major Hindu deities. There is also a small statue of Goddess Saraswati and her Veena, who is Goddess Durga's daughter. This Golu arrangement can be done easily by arranging the statues of major deities and using garlands and other pooja items will authenticate the scene.

Maa Durga Golu Theme

As Maa Durga is the main deity during the Navratri, Golu themes regarding her are quite popular. Here, we can see Maa Durga as the centre of the arrangement along with her husband. Two lions are placed alongside them, as lions are said to be a vehicle of the goddess. Their two sons (Karthik and Ganesh) and daughters (Lakshmi and Saraswati), are all arranged on the third shelf. All the other avatars of Maa Durga are seen on the other shelves.