Navaratri, the festival of nine nights, has taken over Chennai, bringing with it a surge of festivity, color, and tradition. Across homes and public spaces, dolls are arranged in artistic displays, forming the iconic ‘kolu,’ while poojas are performed, celebrating the victory of good over evil. Temples and community halls are abuzz with people gathering to witness the grandeur of these displays, which have deep-rooted cultural significance.
The Art of Kolu – More Than Just Dolls
In homes across the city, kolu steps are designed with great creativity. Each family brings their unique touch to the arrangement, creating intricate displays of dolls representing deities, mythological scenes, and even modern themes. One resident, Lalitha Subramanian, shares, “For us, kolu is not just about tradition; it’s about storytelling through dolls. Every year, we add a new theme to our display, and it’s become a beautiful way to engage our children in our culture.”
The streets of Mylapore, Nanganallur and T. Nagar among others places are teeming with vendors selling dolls of all sizes and shapes. These markets are buzzing with excitement as families hunt for that perfect addition to their collection. “This year, the prices have gone up a bit, but it’s worth it,” says Ramesh, a shopper in Mylapore. “The craftsmanship and detail on these dolls are exceptional. They bring the spirit of Navaratri alive.”
Community Kolu and Temple Festivities
Chennai has embraced the spirit of Navaratri by hosting grand community kolu displays in various temples and public spaces. Temples such as Kapaleeshwarar and Parthasarathy have decked their premises with vibrant doll displays, drawing crowds from across the city. The sense of unity and devotion is palpable as people come together to celebrate. “Our temple kolu showcases traditional scenes and stories from mythology, drawing visitors from all over Chennai,” shares Mr. Venkatraman, a temple organizer. “It’s a time when the entire community gets involved.”
Food and Fellowship
No Navaratri celebration is complete without the delicious varieties of sundal served to guests. Each day brings a different type of sundal made from lentils, chickpeas, and legumes, and homes across Chennai take pride in preparing and sharing this festive food. “We love hosting people during Navaratri,” says Vidhya, a resident of Anna Nagar. “Sundal is such a simple yet flavorful dish, and it brings a sense of joy when shared with others.”
Markets are also flooded with return gifts that families offer to guests who visit their kolu. From kumkum boxes to miniature dolls and kitchen utensils, the array of options is vast, and they’ve become an integral part of the Navaratri shopping spree.
Tradition Meets Modernity
While the essence of Navaratri remains steeped in tradition, there’s no shortage of creativity. Many kolu displays incorporate modern themes, environmental messages, and even global issues, providing a platform for cultural expression. This blend of tradition and modernity is what keeps Navaratri relevant across generations.
Chennai, with its vibrant community spirit and dedication to tradition, is truly a city that comes alive during Navaratri. As the dolls are displayed, poojas performed, and sundal shared, the city reminds us that Navaratri is more than a festival – it’s a celebration of life, victory, and unity.