A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how
The best part of Navaratri is setting up the Bommai Kolu!
After a hiatus of three years, this year's celebration was much awaited. As usual, though, almost everything got done only at the last moment, which is why this post is so delayed. Anyway, this year was extra special because Samhith helped me set up the kolu even more than usual. For the first time, he helped with the steps, easing my work quite a bit! And we had lots of fun in the process! Take a look at his antics....
And here is what our Kolu looks like...
And without boring you with words, let me show you our Kolu through my photos....
 |
| The top steps are for the Gods |
 |
| The next few steps are about deities too... their figures as well as their worship |
 |
| The bottom steps are for us, our collections, representing ourselves |
 |
| This year, I am especially proud of turban I have tied for the marapachi :) |
 |
| These stone lamps came all the way from Mysore..... |
 |
| And this bull from some unknown village in interior Maharashtra... |
 |
| This camel came all the way from Dubai!!! |
 |
| These assorted animals.. glass and marble, are from Rajasthan and Gujarat... |
 |
| This cute family came from Dubai too... when Shankar made a trip some years back... |
 |
| A Junior Arab, for Samhith, also from Dubai! |
 |
| This Arab Couple too... |
 |
| And this one.... |
 |
| And one more... the last couple from Dubai!! They have waited years to take their place here!! |
 |
| A Houseboat, which came all the way from Kashmir! |
 |
| Yes, more houseboats! from Kashmir too.... memories of our sole trip there three years ago.. |
 |
| This side golu is Samhith's! |
 |
| The Krittika Kanyas play in the water with the baby Karthikeyas |
 |
| His favourite airport set... |
 |
| where his Lego men play a part too!! |
 |
| A house in a forest... and a Giant Wheel! |
 |
| Village Scene |
 |
| Well with working pulley system to draw water |
 |
| And our all time favourite - Thomas the Tank Engine!!! |
 |
| We built a wall around our steps... and a tunnel for Thomas! He enters through this one... |
 |
| and exits here, opening the door as he does so.... |
 |
| see??? |
 |
| We also have a thirsty crow! |
 |
| And before I forget, a collection of vehicles... |
So, that was our Golu this year.. I will update the post with videos as and when I can.. Meanwhile, looking forward to your comments... and suggestions for next time!!
Update: For all those people asking me to post a video of the golu and the train going round, here it is.. at last :)
Lovely! So glad to know that your golu also has Thomas and vehicles. Now, I have to visit your place for seeing the golu. Please keep my share of chundal ready :D
ReplyDeleteThank you Akshay! Wish you could have come..
DeleteBeautiful! Your son's Kolu also looks interesting..:-)
ReplyDeleteThank you Priya!
DeleteNice golu, Anu - loved the cute Arabs :) - this is one tradition I really miss from my childhood in Madras...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Charu! The Arabs are the hot favourites this year! Almost everyone commented on them!
DeleteThis is excellent. ..amazing...
ReplyDeleteThank you Bhavyashree!
DeleteLove the Arab addition! And the Airport too!
ReplyDeleteThank you Usha! The airport has been used earlier too.
Deletesuch a visual treat, would love to see the chuchu train go around ;) Thanks so much
ReplyDeleteThank you Sri! I have updated the post with a video of the train going around :)
Delete