Memory and Space: The Bommai Golu | Traditions that evoke nostalgia

Certain memories that dwell in the deep recesses of our minds, surface when we traverse a certain space, hear specific sounds, or catch a familiar whiff. The triggers could also be partaking in particular activities or witnessing certain rituals that bring strong associations from childhood. These figments of our mind evoke feelings of reminiscence and are invariably drenched in nostalgia or at least dipped in a certain wistfulness.

For me, a certain tradition has always conjured up warm sentiments- The Bommai Golu, an intricate decoration of dolls and idols in a hierarchical, stepped arrangement. This arrangement is typically a tradition around the Navratri festival and is practiced in several states in South India. For me, the Golu brings back memories of my dear grandmother- Thathi, as I would fondly call her. As children, we used to be filled with enthusiasm as we excitedly helped her set up the Golu and create unique scenes and sceneries- A park, a zoo, a forest, and so on, with whatever dolls and toys we could lay our hands on. This was a real test of our imaginations as kids, and we would go absolutely berserk with our wild ideas. The urban or rural scenes we created would inevitably be an eclectic and freakish mix of figurines with skewed human and animal proportions- (A giant dog next to a tiny human figurine was not odd at all from a kid’s P.O.V). Thathi was the creative one in our family who always brought great gusto to any event. She would create vibrantly painted kolams or patterns around the golu with oil paint, and handcraft small installations with tiny syringe medicine vials (this art form was quite popular in the late 80s and 90s). The epicenter of the Golu was, however, the Marapachi– or ancient wooden dolls that have a tremendous heritage significance since these are passed down through generations. Every year, tiny new clothes would be crafted for these dolls and they would metamorphose beautifully.

Even today, when I witness the Golu and partake in the decorations at my in-laws’ home, memories of Thathi, my grandmother, surface and illuminate the corners of my heart with warm nostalgia. Some day, I hope to begin the Bommai Golu tradition in my own home to treasure these memories and keep them alive.