Chennai is abuzz with excitement as Navaratri celebrations are in full swing, and the city’s markets are flooded with an eclectic range of dolls for the traditional “kolu” display. This year, new and innovative varieties of dolls, from religious figures to political leaders, have captured the imagination of the people, adding a fresh flavor to this age-old tradition.One of the most noticeable trends is the surge in theme-based kolus, with many households opting to narrate stories from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as from the life of Lord Murugan. Speaking about the rise of theme-based kolus, Seetha Lakshmi, a homemaker from Mylapore, said, “This year, we chose to showcase scenes from Lord Murugan’s life, focusing on his victory over Surapadman. The dolls are beautifully crafted, and it’s a meaningful way to engage children with our cultural stories.”
Among the fast-selling dolls this year are Varahi Amman, Kanchi Paramacharya, and Chakrathazhwar, with their intricate designs and religious significance drawing devotees. Varahi Amman dolls, in particular, have become a crowd favorite, reflecting the growing interest in worshipping this fierce goddess. “Varahi dolls are disappearing from shelves as soon as they arrive,” says Murugan, a shopkeeper in Mylapore. “People are eager to add this powerful goddess to their kolu collections.”
Interestingly, this year’s doll assortment goes beyond traditional religious icons. The markets are seeing a demand for dolls of contemporary figures, including political leaders. Dolls of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for instance, are being sold alongside those of gods and goddesses. This mix of the divine and the political reflects the evolving tastes of modern consumers. “It’s a bit surprising, but many customers are buying dolls of political figures as part of their kolu display. It’s a sign of how diverse and inclusive Navaratri has become,” says Karthik, another vendor at the bustling Luz Corner market.
However, the joy of these celebrations comes at a cost. The prices of dolls have significantly increased, driven by a hike in raw material costs. Vendors explain that the prices of clay, paints, and other materials have surged, leading to a 20-30% rise in the price of the dolls. A customer, Raji from Anna Nagar, shared her thoughts, “The prices are definitely higher this year. We usually add 10 to 15 new dolls to our collection, but this year we’ve had to scale back because of the rising costs. However, the craftsmanship and detail in the dolls make them worth the investment.”
Despite the increase in prices, the spirit of Navaratri remains undeterred. Many people are embracing the festival with great enthusiasm, showcasing creativity in their kolu arrangements. As they carefully select dolls that represent their chosen themes, the essence of the festival—celebrating tradition, storytelling, and community—continues to thrive in Chennai.
With the wide variety of dolls on offer, from religious icons to modern-day leaders, this year’s Navaratri proves that variety truly is the spice of life. As the festival unfolds, Chennai’s vibrant kolu displays tell stories that transcend time, blending the old with the new in a unique expression of devotion and culture.