How to decorate Golu Dolls at home?

Decorating Golu dolls at home, especially during the Navratri Golu, is a delightful and creative tradition. Golu (or Bommai Golu) is a South Indian practice where dolls and figurines are displayed on steps or tiers during the festival of Navratri. Here’s how you can decorate Golu dolls beautifully at home:

1. Setting Up the Golu Steps (Padi)

Choose a clean space: Typically, Golu dolls are displayed in the living room or puja area.

Create tiers (padi): Golu dolls are traditionally placed on odd-numbered steps (3, 5, 7, 9, or 11). You can buy ready-made steps or create them using tables, boxes, or shelves draped with cloth.

Cover the steps: Use white or colorful silk cloth to cover the tiers neatly.

2. Organizing the Dolls

Theme-based arrangement: Decide if you want to follow a theme, such as mythological stories, festivals, or social concepts.

Traditional display: Traditionally, the top row consists of deities like Lakshmi, Saraswati, Vishnu, and Shiva. Lower rows can feature saints, animals, and village scenes.

Group dolls logically: For instance, place dolls from the same mythology or storyline together for a coherent display.

3. Adding Background and Backdrop

Backdrop decoration: Create a beautiful backdrop behind the Golu steps. You can use a painted or printed banner depicting temples, village scenes, or nature.

Decorative lights: String fairy lights or small LED bulbs around the backdrop to give it a festive and divine glow.

4. Lighting and Lamps

Place lamps (diyas): Traditional oil lamps or decorative electric diyas can be placed around the Golu setup, especially on either side of the steps.

Highlight key areas: Use soft spotlights or string lights to focus on important dolls or scenes.

5. Decorative Accessories

Flower decoration: Use fresh flowers or artificial flower garlands to drape around the Golu steps. Marigold and jasmine are popular choices.

Rangoli: Create a colorful rangoli at the base of the steps to enhance the festive vibe.

Greenery: Add small potted plants or decorative artificial trees to bring life to the display.

Saree draping: You can drape a beautiful saree over the steps to add a touch of elegance and richness.

6. Storytelling Displays

Create mini-scenes: Along with traditional deities, you can depict everyday life scenes or mythological events using figurines. Some popular scenes include Krishna Leela, Ramar Pattabhishekam, or village life.

Mini parks and gardens: Use artificial grass mats or miniature accessories like benches, ponds, and animals to create small parks or gardens around the dolls.

7. Creative Use of Props

Miniature decor: Incorporate small props like miniature trees, houses, and utensils to create realistic setups.

Water element: If possible, place a small water element such as a bowl filled with water and flowers, or a mini fountain near the Golu for a soothing effect.

8. Theme-specific Decor

Cultural themes: You can focus on showcasing traditions from different parts of India, with dolls representing people in various cultural attire.

Current affairs or social themes: Many people now integrate modern themes into their Golu, such as pollution awareness, festivals of India, or Indian weddings.

9. Personal Touch

Add small crafts or homemade decorations like paper garlands, origami animals, or paintings created by family members to give the display a personal touch.

10. Navratri Pooja Essentials

Keep space for a small area for daily pooja with idols of goddess Durga, Saraswati, or Lakshmi in front of the Golu steps. Include incense, flowers, and fruits for offering.

By incorporating creativity, tradition, and personal aesthetics, your Golu doll decoration can become a unique and memorable part of your Navratri celebrations!