KOLU
One of the most joyous rituals of Dasara Festival is The Dolls Display ( Kolu ) , which inspires not only children but people of all ages . The tradition of arranging dolls representing deities in attractive displays and offering them worship began in the 17th century during the reign of Raja Wodeyar and is being upheld enthusiastically till today not only in households but in Malls , Museums and shops too .
In all displays , a pair of Royal Wooden Dolls called Pattada Gombay is given place of pride
without fail , perhaps harking to that history .
Smt . Padma Udayakumar's family has been actively engaged in putting up Dasara Doll displays for three generations now . Come Dasara , her spacious Hall turns into a Mega Dolls House .
Two antique Pattada Gombe sets , one of wood and one of metal , which are 100 years and 150 years old respectively , occupy a special niche in her display stand .
Her displays are usually organised around any one special theme every year . She participates in Display contests and has won awards in International Contests too .
This year , stepping into her Dolled up house felt like entering a sacred space , with sets depicting Geethopadesham , Rama Anjaneya , Kodanda Rama etc tastefully arranged in the foreground .
The entire display area was divided into three distinct zones . The first part had a printed backdrop of a temple gopuram creating a perfect ambience for five registers ( steps ) of divinities . On the top step were Goddesses Durga , Lakshmi and Saraswathi along with the Kalasha .
The second step was occupied by the eight Ashtalakshmis . Next was Stinivasa Kalyana , Birth of Andal and the row of Alwars . After these divinities came the four sets of Royal Dolls ( Pattada Gombe ), decorated in Royal fashion and posing in dignified rigiditi !
Accompanying the Srinivasa Padmavathi set , on the next tier was a Temple set including a procession of tiny elephants and musicians .
The whole pyramidal arrangement , along with the backdrop , re - created the magnificence of a real temple gopuram with its myriad , colourful stucco figurines .
The second section consisted of a lovely large peacock with open plumes , on whose back was a stand of three tiers .These tiers were occupied by the Nava Durgas with their respective Vahanas . It is noteworthy that all these Durgas were handmade .
Smt .Padma has made a deep study of Devi worship traditions and scrupulously follows the rituals as ordained for each day of Navaratri . She offers each Devi the exact flower, leaves, coloured attire , rangoli , grain and naivedya as stipulated in scriptures .
The third section was Vaikunta Dwara ! Paramapadanatha , Srinivada and Padmavathi reside in the Golden Domed vimana ! The door way was framed by Dashavatara dolls and decorated with beautiful Flower hangings , toranas and bells . Tall lamps stood on intricate rangolis .
When the screen was parted with the chant of '' Govinda ! Govinda !'', in the soft light was seen the enchanting presence of Srinivasa , hand held in abhaya mudra ! One could feel the Divine Grace pervading as one bowed to the presence with the silent chant " Sri Venkatesaya
Namaha !"
Building a temple is no easy task . But Smt . Padma , being resourceful and creative , had made use of odds and ends found at home to create the enchanting shrine which left visitors speechless in wonder .
Smt . Padma's passion , hard work and piety are exemplary and praise worthy . She served Tulasi Teertha and Laddoo prasadam with so much joy and affection that it warmed the cockles of our heart .
Still dazed by the awesome experience of entering the Vaikunta Dwara , we took leave by wishing Smt. Padma many more successes in her endeavours .
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