The Elephanta Caves , located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri, about 11 Km off the coast of the Gateway of India, Mumbai, are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to these caves, excavated probably in the 6 th century CE, is awe-inspiring, and also thought-provoking. Over the years, I have visited the caves a number of times, and also attended a number of talks by experts in the fields of art, history and archaeology on the caves. Together, they help me understand these caves, their art, and the people they were created for, just a little bit better. Every new visit, every new talk, every new article I read about the caves, fleshes out the image of what the island and the caves would have been like, at their peak. I last wrote about the caves on this blog, in 2011, almost exactly 11 years ago. Since then, my understanding of the caves has, I would like to think, marginally improved. Hence this attempt to write a new and updated post, trying to bring to life, the caves of Elephan
Its time for yet another festival - one which gives me the maximum opportunity to use my creativity - Navaratri - the festival of nine nights.
These nine nights (and days) are dedicated to the goddess in her myriad forms, and this festival is a celebration of not just the mother goddess, but also her creations. For us, South-Indians, Navaratri is a time for the Bommai Kolu (or Golu), a series of steps with dolls placed on them, and also a time for socialization. The kolu represents the different stages and aspects of life. The bottom steps represent life as we know it - as humans. We therefore use them to depict scenes from life. The higher steps are meant to represent our quest for divinity - which is represented by dolls showing stories from mythology involving gods and demigods. The highest steps are used to show the Gods, who are, after all, believed to be above us all! Apart from the dolls placed on the steps, we also decorate an area around the steps, usually based on some theme. This is mainly meant for children, to give a free rein to their creativity. For me, this is Samhith's area, where he chooses the theme, and then I help him set it up! Yes, I do have to do bulk of the work at present, but he contributes in more ways than you can imagine! As usual, since the theme is of his choosing, our kolu revolves around Samhith's favourite train set! The last few days have been really hectic, preparing for the festival, so no wonder this blog hasnt seen any new posts since Ganesh Chaturthi!
Over the next ten days, I hope to write everyday, and take you along with me as I enjoy different aspects of the celebrations around me. Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at our preparations for the kolu!
Oh! the preparations are in full swing. In the olden days we used to have wooden sculptures made of red sandalwood.(Marapacchi) which wewre kept to sleep after the Kolu. It would be interesting to go through your posts which I look forward t.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, looks like quite a preparation :D
ReplyDeletelook fwd to your Golu..
Too good Anu!
ReplyDeleteHappy festive season .
ReplyDeleteThanks to your idea last year, this year we got a paper modelling kit of Circus..it was fun doing it...waiting to see your golu this year
ReplyDeleteAnu, I love your posts about festivals, I learn so much! I borrowed this one for this week's contributors' roundup.
ReplyDeleteHow nice. I am liking it to know about the festival, particularly how it is celebrated in other parts of the country.
ReplyDeletewow! look forward to the posts ahead!
ReplyDeleteWe keep marapachi too.... and make them sleep on the last day....
ReplyDeleteYes, aarti! wait till u see the next one!
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot! and wish u the same!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Ana! have been so busy havent had time to check out the site since the last few days! will head over asap!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sangeeta!
ReplyDeleteSuch an elaborate preparation Anu! I am sure Samhith is enjoying the most.
ReplyDeleteTHanks Nisha! Samhith is having a blast! u shd come home for navaratri once!
ReplyDeleteMay this navratri bring happiness and Prosperity to all..Happy Navratri..Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete