Pune: The nine-day Navratri festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is celebrated by the city-based Tamilian community in a unique way as Bommai Golu. This involves a traditional arrangement of dolls on a staircase-like stand which has several steps handed over from one generation to another.
Every year, a different theme is decided for this festival in Pune by the Rama Rangarajan family in Rasta Peth. This year, the theme is 'Modern India' which includes the introduction of bullet trains and the political scenario of Tamil Nadu.
Last year’s theme was based on surgical strike. More than 200 people from all walks of life and religions visit them to see the Golu celebrations every day.
“The nine days are dedicated to three Goddesses of which first three days are dedicated to Laxmi, next three to Saraswati and last three to Durga," said Rangarajan.
"Idols of a man and woman are kept in the centre and the other idols represent their universe. Among the idols, children's playground is also made which is the most important part of every Golu festival” he said.
Through this idea, the family is trying to rejuvenate and bind people of different communities together by welcoming them to their home to worship God. On the last day of the festival, the dolls are symbolically put to sleep and packed till next year.
