The popular Hindu festival of Navaratri (or Navarathri/ Navratri) will soon be here and I am listing out some of the traditions and significance along with useful and interesting recipes, in a series on my Blog, on "Navaratri: Fasting and Feasting And Everything In-between". The first part of the series is on the South India custom of Golu: Navaratri Golu and How To Keep It. I hope it will be useful to those keeping golu for the first time, or, having practiced Bomma Kolu (or Golu) for Navarathri for a few years are interested in knowing more about the significance and how to arrange the dolls as per traditional customs. Readers have asked a number of questions on Golu practices, to which I have responded in comments below. Please read the same for additional information.
All the procedures in this post and opinions given in comments below are from my personal experience and my family's traditions for Golu. These may differ from customary practices in other families.
For Part 2 of this series, click: Easy Navaratri Naivedyam and Sundal Recipes
When Should Navaratri Golu Dolls Be Kept in 2024?
Pratipada for Shardiya Navaratri is on Thursday 3rd October 2024. Shashthi will be from 11.17 am on Tuesday 8th Oct to 12.14 pm on Wednesday 9th October 2024 .Vijaya Dashami is on Saturday 12th October 2024 (from 10.58 am on 12th October to 09.08 am on 13th October 2024).
Here is a quick timetable applicable to Chennai, India, You will need to check the Panchangam/Almanac for your city/country to ascertain the date and time for Amavasya in October 2024 and extrapolate the time table accordingly. Check for Rahu kalam and Yama gandam so that these are avoided for various activities.
As per the Drik Panchang, for Chennai, Krishna Paksya Amavasya is from 09.39 pm (night of 01st October 2024), till 12.18 am on 3rd October 2024, followed by Pratipada (at 12.18 am) early on 3rd October, till 02.58 am on 4th October 2024 . Vijaya Dashami is on 12th October 2024 as above.Golu steps may be set up on Amavasya and the Kolu Dolls arranged on Pratipada.
| Activity | Date in 2024 | Time | Notes |
| Sow Grains for Mulaipari | 26th or 27th October, 2024 | Any time during the day | 3-4 days time are required for the sprouts to grow |
Set up empty Golu Steps | 1st October night to midnight of Wednesday 2nd October 2024 | Any time from 09.40 pm on 1st October 2024, till 12 am/midnight on 2nd October 2024 | Amavasya |
| Kalasam | 3rd October 2024 | On 3rd October, any time, or after keeping golu and before 2.58 am on 4th October as per your custom | Pratipada |
| Arrange golu dolls on steps | Thursday 3rd October 2024 | On Pratipada from 12.18 am on 3rd October till 02.58 am on 4th October 2024. Golu Dolls may be kept any time on 3rd, day or night and kalasam before 2.58 am on 4th October 2024 | Pratipada |
| Navaratri puja | Thursday 3rd October 2024 | On Pratipada, after keeping Golu Dolls and Kalasam | Puja Commences |
| Navami | Friday 11th October 2024 | Navami | |
| Dashami | Saturday 12th October 2024 | Dusshera | |
Action Point 1: Navadhanyam or Mulaipari for Golu
Background: Mulaipari refers to the Nine grains (navadhanyam) germinated in a dedicated pot or vessel. Traditionally in rural Tamilnadu, the grains were grown in mud pots each placed in the village temple and carried on their head by the village women in a procession on the last day of Navaratri, with the mud and grains dissolved in the river water.
Traditional Grains for Mulaipari
1. Keppai or Kizhvaragu or Finger Millet or Ragi
2. Mochai kottai or Mochha payuru or Hyacinth Beans. In some references I found Avarai or Field Beans or Broad Beans are used instead
3. Thatta payuru or Blackeyed beans or Karamani or Cowpeas
4. Ulutham paruppu (whole with skin) or urad dhal or Black gram
5. Kadalai paruppu or Chick pea or Bengalgram
6. Nellu or Rice
7. Tuvarai or tuvaram paruppu or Pigeon Pea lentils or Towar or Arhar dal
8. Pachha Payaru or green gram or sabud moong
9. Godumai or Wheat grain Some of the texts I referred to mentioned several other grains/ seeds including barley, kadugu (mustard seeds, rai), vendiyam (mendiyam, methi, fenugreek), cholam (jowar, sorghum), ellu (sesame seeds), red millet (kambu, bajra or pearl millet), kollu (horse gram).
One reasonable explanation I found for why the navadhanyam differed across Hindu texts were because of differences in crops cultivated in various regions.There seems to have been even a method for the order of arranging the grains. If you have more information on the order of arranging the grains/legumes please add a comment and I will update the post,in the interest of keeping it as authentic as possible. So far as I know, the ragi (finger millet) is on the outermost circle,followed within by the dry broad beans (mochai) and the blackeyed beans, and then the urad dal and the other grains/legumes.
The custom, as I understand it, is to supplicate the Goddess for rain and fertility for the land as well as for prosperity for all. There are some interesting tales of the sowing of grains and legumes relating to the Pandavas and Krishna, and I need to find out more about this. This present article is all about how to keep Navaratri Golu!
There are also a set of nine grains/ legumes associated with the Navagrahas, as follows, and these are sown for mulaipari in some homes:
- Godumai or Wheat for Suriyan or the Sun
- Nellu or Rice paddy for Chandran or the Moon
- Tuvaram for Sevvai or Mangal or Mars
- Pachai paruppu or Greengram (Moong)for Budhan or Mercury
- Kadalai paruppu or channa dal for Guru or Brahaspati or Jupiter
- White beans or Broad beans for Shukra or Venus
- Ellu or Black Sesame or Till for Sani or Saturn
- Ulundu or Black gram or Urad for Rahu
- Kollu or Horse gram for Kethu
Action Point 2: How To Set Up Steps for Golu
The Golu symbolises that Divinity will be a presence in the house during Navarathri, so we clean the house and the Pooja vessels and idols and images, before Navarathri commences.The Bomma Kolu steps are to be set up on Mahalaya Ammavasa, that is on the New Moon Day in the Tamil month of Purattasi (Ashwin in the North Indian calendar). The moon will be in ascendancy (waxing mode) from this time till Pournami. Goddess Durga is believed to have descended to Earth on this day in response to prayers from devotees (please see Timetable above for 2024 for Golu to be kept in October). While the steps are usually set up on Amavasya, the dolls are traditionally arranged on Pratipada which is on 3rd October, 2024 this year.
Nine steps are kept for the Golu or otherwise 3, 5, 7, steps are arranged, i.e. in odd numbers only, and more than one and usually not exceeding 9. The popular version of the significance of the 9 steps is that they represent the 9 Navagrahas.
Traditionally, the top most step will be shorter in length than the one below it, and so on till the bottom step which is the longest. The steps would all be of the same width, though. When you are living away from India, it may not be possible to have uniform steps set up (in India you can buy ready made steps or racks suitable for the Bomma kolu) and you would probably make do with tables and cabinets of different sizes and lengths.
It is customary to place the Steps against a wall (a corner would be great to give support from two sides) so that the dolls face East or otherwise North. Generally the golu is not kept facing South. Once the steps are arranged, drape them completely with a clean cloth/dhothi or saree or other suitable cloth ( reserve an unworn cloth for use every year).
Action Point 3: Navaratri Kalasam and How to Fill It
The Navaratri Kalasam is placed late in the evening on Mahalaya Ammavasa after the steps are installed, while the Dolls are placed the next day once Pratipada commences. This custom varies in different households. In some, a pair of marapachhi bommai (traditional wooden dolls) are placed first on the stands instead of placing the kalasam first. Some follow the custom of placing the dolls on the same night, i.e. once the stand is set up. Some keep the dolls first and then the kalasam the next morning (after ammavasai) and start naivedyam once kalsam is placed.
Pooja with naivedhyam starts from the morning once the dolls are arranged. Again there are different customs on how to keep the Navaratri Kalash or kumbha. One is to fill an oval brass pot (a sombu) upto the neck with rice and lentils (thovaram paruppu). Add some coins to the rice, place a stick of turmeric on it. Place mango leaves at the mouth, tucking the ends into the rice, and insert a coconut marked with turmeric and kumkum on top. The coconut is kept intact during the nine days of the festival. In some customs, a silver or other metal face of the Goddess is tied to the front of the coconut, and a red silk cloth or blouse piece placed on the coconut, to fall either side of the kalasam. Or the silk cloth or blouse piece may be tied around the kalasam.
In some traditions, the pot is filled with water (instead of rice), to which is added pieces of turmeric as well as items such as cardamom, clove, vetiver root or sandalwood. Coins are added to the pot. A piece of camphor would help keep the water fresh for the 9 day period. Mango leaves as well as the coconut are placed in the mouth as usual. The pot is kept on a brass plate of rice rubbed with turmeric powder and kumkum powder.The kalasam may be decorated with jewellery.
Background: The Kalasam is a traditional part of Hindu festivals and rituals and is considered auspicious. It is intended to represent the Mother Goddess. The water in the pot is said to symbolise the source of life and to be energised from the shlokas and Vedic mantras uttered during the Pooja.The Coconut from the coconut tree of which every part can be utilised, symbolises the qualities of giving and unselfishness. The Mango leaves, again found in every festival, is said to be placed for medicinal purposes: the tips reaching into the water in the pot are considered to transfer some of their antioxidant properties, while the surfaces of the leaves absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Action point 4: How to arrange the Bommai Kolu or Dolls on the Navaratri Golu stand:
The Nine steps for Navarathri Kolu are said to represent the evolution of beings from the 'lower' animal lives to divine. One version is that these are the 9 steps to attain moksha (as usual there are many interpretations). If you are keeping 3 or 5 or 7 steps, reduce the number for each type below, but follow the descending order. Dolls and toys depicting any theme may be placed on the side of the golu stand or even on one of the steps. If you don't have enough golu dolls, don't worry but get started with whatever is available including your kids' toys, and keep adding new dolls each year, as is customary.
The dolls or bommai are placed as follows:
Steps 1-3 for the Gods:
Step 1: Topmost step: Kalasam in the centre, often with a mirror behind it to reflect it. The idols of Gods: Ganesha, Vishnu, Siva, Brahma, Parvati, Durga, Mahishasuramardhini, Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, Hanuman, Murugan etc arranged in front of the kalasam and on either side. Some customs require the kalasam to be placed in front of the Golu stand and not on it, but usually it is placed, as above, in the centre of the topmost step.
Step 2: Ashtalakshmi with the various forms of Mahalakshmi. In this, the suggested order is Adhi lakshmi, Dhanya Lakshmi, Dhairya lakshmi, Gaja lakshmi, Santhana lakshmi, Vijaya lakshmi, Vidhya lakhmi and Dhaya lakshmi. The Marapaacchi bommai are also kept on this step, though some customs place it on the topmost shelf with the kalasam. These are a pair of dolls, a male and a female figure, carved out of a medicinal wood. In olden times these two dolls are said to represent the King and the Queen, and traditionally a pair (usually a heirloom) is given to a bride at her wedding and are handed down to the next generation.
Step 3: Avatars of Gods such as Rama, Krishna, Dasavatharam, etc. The order for keeping the Dasavatharam set depicting the 10 avatars of Vishnu, are: Matsya (Fish), Kurma (Tortoise), Varaha (Boar), Narasimhan (Half lion half man), Vamana (with an umbrella), Parasurama (with axe), Balrama (with plough), Rama, Sri Krishna and Kalki, more or less following the path of evolution (from fish to man)
Steps 4-6 For Dolls depicting Humans:
Step 4: Alvars, Nayanmars, Saints and Gurus such as Sankarachariyar, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, Swami Vivekananda, Meera Bai. Navagrahas are also usually kept in this step.Step 5: For venerable persons such as Mahatma Gandhi, Netaji and other freedom fighters, Thyagarajar, Thiruvalluvar and other poets, musicians, philosophers and composers including famous persons from around the world.Step 6: Dolls showing human activity and work, symbolising day to day functioning: Musicians, artisans, farmers, temples and devotees, villagers, bands, soldiers, wedding processions, sportspersons, etc. The Chettiar couple are placed in the centre with rice, salt, lentils, fruits in front as their 'shop', depicting intelligent humans and paying homage to traders.
Steps 7-9 for the Animal World
Step 7: Animals
Step 8: Birds- Step 9: Insects and creeping/ crawling creatures, and plants
Action point 5: Kolam, Deepam and Naivedyam for Golu
After the kalasam has been kept and dolls arranged, it is time for the kolam or rangoli. This is to be drawn in front of the kolu stand. The kolam is drawn with rice flour and it may be a simple one or it could be as intricate as you want to make it or filled with colours. The kolam is usually cleaned and drawn afresh every day. The kalasam and mango leaves are not changed during the nine days.
Next, set two lamps, one on either side of the kolam, kuthu villakku if available. Every day, naivedyam is to be offered to the Gods after lighting the lamps. Traditionally, this is done twice a day. The naivedyam for the morning may be fruits or Payasam or even a rice dish which can then conveniently serve as lunch or for the school tiffin box. Sundal and a sweet are usually the prasadam in the evening. Fruits may be offered instead of a cooked prasadam. Often a different type of sundal is made on each of the nine days. (Click the Link for Part 2 of this series: Easy Navaratri Naiyvedyam and Sundal Recipes)
As you would know, in South India, the 9 day festival of Navarathri is to celebrate the 9 forms of the Mother Goddess. The first 3 days are dedicated to the worship of Durga, the next 3 days to the worship of Lakshmi and the last 3 days to the worship of Saraswathi. This culminates with Saraswathi Pooja on Navami and with Vijaya Dasami being celebrated on the 10th or Dasami day.
Action Point 6: How to Remove/ Dismantle The Navaratri Golu:
Some friends have asked me how to remove the Navaratri Golu, whether there are any 'rules' for this. Well there are some customs for this too! Traditionally, on the evening of Vijayadasami or Dusshera, i.e. the 10th day of Navaratri, we offer naivedyam (it can be simple fruits too, if you are not able to prepare cooked naivedyam).
Once this is done, symbolically the kalasm is shifted towards the North side/end of the step now which it is kept. One doll at least is put lying down as if it is put to sleep. The golu may then be said to be closed and may be removed or dismantled the next day. If you have kept rice and dal in the kalasam or the plate on which it is kept, the same may be used for making food such as a ven-pongal. The coconut may be also used in cooking, if it is fresh. If there is water in the kalasam, it may be poured out in a nearby garden or even a roadside tree.
Generally, golu is not removed on a Friday or a Tuesday. if the day after Dasami falls on a Friday or Tuesday, then the golu is removed on the evening of Dasami itself. Some people believe it best to put at least one doll to sleep (lay it down flat) after the morning naivedyam on Dasami, and then dismantle the golu in the evening. I have not found more information on this, but will continue to research and add more details soon.
This article is just on Navaratri Golu and How To Keep It. The festival is celebrated in different ways in other parts of India and I will describe them in further posts.
A number of readers have asked questions about keeping Golu, and these with my responses are in comments at the end of this post. Please go through these as you may find answers to any doubts that you have. You are of course welcome to ask questions in comments and I will do my best to clear them at the earliest.
NSK says
Hi, Thanks, Sujata ji, for the very informative post. Since Mahalaya is on 2nd October, 2024 and the dolls are kept on Mahalaya, shouldn't the date in the calendar you shared also mention 2nd. It mentions 3rd to place the dolls.
Sujata Shukla says
Thanks for pointing this out. Let me clarify. In the body of the post I have noted that customs vary for keeping the Golu and kolasam. The custom I am familiar with is to set up the steps on Amavasaya and arrange the dolls on Pratipada, the next day. Dolls may be arranged on Amavasaya itself, if that is the family custom. Kalasam may be kept first, or after all the dolls are arranged, depending on custom. The reason for keeping dolls on Pratipada is that once the dolls and Kalasam are set, Puja is to be commenced, and Navaratri Pujai starts on Pratipada. I will try to insert this option in the calendar too.
Kavitha Desai says
Hi, I am keeping Golu for the first time this year and have found your website of tremendous help. Thank you. I have a question about your action point 1: Navadhanyam. So am I suppose to prepare this in a tray and keep it near the golu stand? I didn’t really understand this part. Hope you can to clarify. Thanks.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Kavitha, and thanks for visiting my blog. Navadhanyam is usually kept (on a tray, yes) in front of the Kalasam, on the Golu stand.
Gayathri says
Could you share the golu calendar for 2024?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. I will update the same shortly. Apologies for keeping you waiting.
Shuchita Kumar says
I am north indian and invited to a friends house for golu. Please explain what am i supposed to do when I see the golu. Is this a religious celebration or just a social get together. Do we bow down to the gods.
Sujata Shukla says
Hello Shuchita.The Navaratri Golu is both a religious and social event. Religious to the extent that the dolls placed on the Golu depict Devi/ Mahishasuramardini sitting at her Durbar/Court and also that the Mother Goddess is believed to be present in that home during the period the Golu and Kalash are installed.It is also a social occasion where women visit and receive haldi kumkum. Conventionally, when visiting for Golu, we are not expected to do anything much except sit in front of the golu or wherever the host invites us to sit, admire/ show interest in the golu and have polite conversation with the other guests. You may do a namaskar in front of the golu,just folded hands will do. Guests are invited to sing devotional songs before the Golu. I do not have any kind of singing voice, so I always used to politely say that I can't sing. We dress well when attending a golu, just as when we go to the temple, out of respect for the Gods. The host will usually give you haldi, kumkum, betel leaves, a blouse piece, maybe a coconut or banana, along with the prasadam for the day, when you are leaving. Some hosts may give you a gift such as a decorative item or a kitchen utensil or pooja item. You do not have to give the host any gift in return, though there is no harm in giving a box of sweets, or something home made or a small gift. All good wishes for you on attending your first Golu!
Harini says
I know we can keep for all 9 days but if we can't, then we can have in the last 3 days. Can I keep golu from day 3 or 4 or so?
Sujata Shukla says
Hello Harini and thanks for visiting my blog.
I have not come across a Golu kept in between. Either it is kept for nine days or else the last three days. You could however do pooja and naivedyam twice a day from whichever day you plan to start, and set up the Golu for the last three days,i.e. Saptami, Ashtami, Navami followed by Dassera/Vijayadashami day.
Gita says
Namaskaram,
Could you share the golu calendar for 2023?
Sujata Shukla says
Thanks for the reminder, Gita. I’ll update it by Sunday, please check back on Monday. Apologies for the delay.
Sujata Shukla says
The post has now been updated with the Calendar/dates for setting up Golu for 2023.
Mala says
Hello, Very informative post. Could you please clarify which three days to keep golu dolls: is it saptami, ashtami, navami or is it ashtami, navami, dashami if it is not possible to keep on all the Navaratri days. Thank you.
Sujata Shukla says
Hello Mala, Im glad you found the post useful. If for any reason you are not able to keep Golu for 9 days, then Golu may be kept for the last 3 days alone, ie saptami, ashtami, navami and continue to keep them in place on Dashami too. Hope this helps.
Parimala says
Where I live it is not possible to invite muthaidu for thamboolam on Tuesday Dashami or Monday Navajo. So can instead invite them on Shasti or Ashtami?
Sujata Shukla says
Thanks for visiting my blog, Parimala. Thamboolam may be given to sumangalis on any day of Navaratri. 30th Sep Friday, Panchami is a good option, but as I said, any day of Navartri is fine.
Geetha says
Hello Mam,
When to close(i.e move the kalasam towards north ) 2021 year Golu.and when to dismantle the golu steps.
In this 2021 year, we have Vijaya Dasami on 15th Oct, which falls on Friday. Is it Ok to move the kalasam towards north on Friday, 15th Oct after evening naivedhyam and make some dolls sleep over night and dismantle the golu steps on Saturday morning?.
Is it fine to move to Kalasam and make the dolls to sleep on Friday ( or Tuesday).
Please give your advice on this
Namita says
Hi ! I have been invited by a friend to visit her Golu puja. I am not sure if i should be taking a gift to their house for this puja? If yes then kindly advise some suitable gift ideas
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. My sincere apologies Namita. There was some glitch and I didn't get your comment on time to respond to the same. If you look at the comment section for this Navaratri post, you will find a similar question from another reader, where I have discussed suitable gifts. Whle it is not necessary to carry a gift for a navaratri visit, it would be nice to take one.
Karthi says
Hello dear, very informative article. I have a question. Can I start kolu mid navarathri? If yes what is the best day? I can’t start kolu October 6 or 7 and there is no one in my home to set it up. So can we start later?
Please reply thank you I’m advance
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. My sincere apologies Karthi. There was some glitch and I didn't get your comment on time to respond to the same.To respond to your question, you may keep Golu for the last 3 days of Navaratri. Please see the comments below my post, I have explained this to other readers. Thank you.
Ajisha says
Hi,
I started keeping Golu from last year. I am not sure on the rituals for this. But your blog was quite informative. Thank you for sharing.
I have one doubt, this year I need to travel for 3 to 4 days in middle of Navrathri. So what should I do? Can I keep golu and not performing pooja only for these 3 days.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi My sincere apologies Ajisha. There was some glitch and I didn't get your comment on time to respond to the same. As it would not be right not to perform puja during golu, I suggest you keep golu only for the last 3 days, after your return from travel. Please see other similar queries in comments below my post, where I have explained this.
Anasuya Narayanan says
Namaskaram, This is a very informative post on Navarthri traditions. I need a clarification. This Navarathri, I have very few Golu toys with me as I moved to another country before lockdown. All my deity golu dolls are in India. My entire Golu doll set is being shipped and will arrive at my place a few days after Navarathri starts. Is it okay to set up the Golu padi with just the few available dolls I have on Mahalaya Amavasya day and then add the remaining dolls on the Padi after they arrive (4 to 5 days) thereafter (without disturbing the existing dolls). Please let me know. Thanks in advance.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. My sincere apologies Anasuya. There was some glitch and I didn't get your comment on time to respond to the same. For future reference, yes, we can add dolls to the padi later during the Golu days, without disturbing the existing dolls.
Avantika says
Thank you so much for such an informative blog.
I’m planning to keep golu for the 1st time. To start with last 3 days. Can you please let me know when to keep golu and when to take the dolls from golu. Should we give blouse cloth for people visiting golu or anything else which is mandatory.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. My sincere apologies Avantika. There was a glitch and I did not get your comment till now, hence my delay in responding. Thank you for visiting my blog and Im glad you find it useful. You may keep the Golu in the morning of the last 3 days, after checking for rahu kalam and for a good time. You may arrange the steps and dolls the previous night, and set up the kalasam in the morning, and do the first puja at that time. Please see the other queries in comments to this post, where i have discussed what is traditionally given to guests for Golu. A little packet of sundal or other prasadam, the usual soppu seepu kannadi (traditional and many people dont do this nowadays) instead just a packet of manjal, kumkumam, a couple of bananas or a coconut, and if you want to, a blouse piece. Depends on your convenience.
Sanyukta says
Hi!!Thank you so much for the detailed information.
I have a question about travel during Golu
I have to visit India , so I willnot be able to keep Golu here un USA
Should I skip Golu this year or can I do Golu in India ?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Sanyukta and thanks for visiting my blog PepperOnPizza. It is convention that one does not stop keeping golu after having started the practice. However exigencies do occur from time to time which prevent us from keeping the golu in one year.
My recommendations: You can perform puja wherever you are, lighting a lamp twice a day before the deities in the place your are visiting, and offering simple naivedyam of fruits and milk. This may be done for the last 4 days of navaratri or for the entire 9 days, as you may find convenient. There are some comments at the end of my blog post and my responses may give you some more clarity.
I hope this helps. If you have further questions, please do ask.
I'm not sure about keeping the golu elsewhere, I have not come across this as a practice. You could ask elders at home for their advice on this.
Priyasha says
Hi, we din have a tradition of golu in my mother's place . But I love golu tradition so I did share my interest on this to my mom and was gifted wooden couple dolls at my wedding this year . But now in my mother in-laws place they don't have golu tradition and they did tell me nooo to my golu wish ..and said u can keep the wooden dolls in Pooja room if u want ,but golu setup not allowed . My question are 1. Can I keep oly wooden couple dolls in Pooja room for entire 10 days ,every year and perform pooja?
2. Can I perform this golu setup in my mom's place instead of in-laws place?
3. I am from Karnataka and in our families we have a tradition of having nonveg by performing Pooja for late ansesters on navami . But is it ok if I m not having nonveg and my dolls are placed in Pooja room ?
4. After how many years can I stop golu setup if I have any obstruction continuing golu Pooja tradition further
Pls answer my questions and help me in this
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Priyasha. Im sorry I somehow missed this question from you, and am seeing it only now. My deep apologies.
Here are my thoughts:
Golu is conventionally taken up only when the husband's parents have the custom or are willing for the daughter in law to take it up. Sometimes daughters in law do take it up when they are much older and have a daughter of their own and it becomes a custom.
1. Can I keep oly wooden couple dolls in Pooja room for entire 10 days ,every year and perform pooja?
Yes, you can keep the wooden bommai in Pooja Room for the entire 10 days and perform puja, offering naivedyam of your choice (it can be just fruit and milk) twice a day after lighting the lamp.
2. Can I perform this golu setup in my mom's place instead of in-laws place?
Im not sure, I have not seen this as a practice. Golu is normally performed at ones own home. You could probably have your mother start the practice and you do everything to help her including inviting guests and participating in puja, naivedyam preparation etc.
3. I am from Karnataka and in our families we have a tradition of having nonveg by performing Pooja for late ansesters on navami But is it ok if I m not having nonveg and my dolls are placed in Pooja room ?
Yes, if you personally avoid cooking and consuming non veg on navami, it should be fine. Usually non veg is not cooked in the house during Navaratri. I think you should do what you find best under the circumstances. I personally feel it is the intention and devotion which matters to the Gods, not hidebound rules and regulations.
4. After how many years can I stop golu setup if I have any obstruction continuing golu Pooja tradition further.
Once Golu is started as a practice, one is not supposed to stop except for breaks in the event of a death in the family etc.
pritika says
Hello, this is pritika.....
Can we donate our golu dolls to other.....?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Pritika. Thank you for visiting my blog. I have not come across instances of people giving their golu dolls to others, except sometimes to daughters, daughters in law or close relatives. I don't think there is any rule or convention regarding this. Personally though I don't see anything wrong in doing so. If the dolls are going to be used elsewhere in golu, it looks good to me. Hope this helps.
Jyothsna Malar says
Hi.. mam informative post.. it's been six years we are keeping golu at my mom's place as I was very much interested. We have been keeping kalasam at the top padi. And every day we offer flowers in each and every golu doll which I found was little clumsy. This year I found some pictures of golu where they have place kalasam seperately Infront of the golu along with other Devi's. They had decorated beautifully with lots of flowers and I found it convenient even for offering prasadhams. Please give your suggestions about placing kalasam in front seperately. I have one more request please kindly suggest songs that can be sung on each day. I know it's each one's interest but would be great to know list of songs that can be sung for each day. Thankyou.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Jyothsna, and thanks for visiting my site. Im glad you like the post. Regarding your queries on kalasam and on songs for each day, I will add then to the post shortly and will intimate you of the same.
Sonia says
Mam, this year 2020, when to dismantle golu? Kindly reply soon mam
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. Tomorrow being Tuesday, we generally don't dismantle golu on Tuesday or Friday. Hence today being Monday, after Naivedyam you can close the Golu as per the details in my post on how to dismantle golu. Ie. keep one doll flat as if sleeping, this means the golu is closed. for other details please check my post. Thanks for visiting my blog
Laksh says
Hi
I have been keeping my golu for the past few years, without any problems. This year my periods is inconsistent. And my flow is a lot for more than 3 days, atmost a week. Is it ok to start doing the pooja after 3 days, or I cant do it, till the completely stops? And sometimes it stops, and starts after a few days. I don't know what do ? Please advise me.
Thanks so much
Laksh.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi and sorry to hear you are having to cope with this during Golu. Usually on the 4th day after periods after taking a head bath, it is ok to perform puja and offer naivedyam. In your case, you may rather prefer to have any one from your family, husband, children, mother in law, anyone available, to keep offer simple naivedyam of fruits and milk. Anyway Golu will be dismantled today or Wednesday, so you may have fruits offered to day and close the Golu by keeping one doll flat, as if sleeping, and then remove the golu at your leisure.
SaiSakthi says
Hi Mam,
I want to keep for last three days. But 7th day ie.23-oct-2020 is astami. Shall I keep kolu and kalsam on that day
Many Thanks
Sujata Shukla says
Hi and thanks for visiting my blog. Yes this year is quite confusing as each lunar day starts and ends early in the morning. I suggest you may keep golu during the day on 22nd Oct, Thursday, Saptami which is the 7th day of Navaratri. Shasti ends at about 7.39 in the morning, and any time after that (after checking auspicious time and avoiding Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam) should be good. So you will have 3 days of Golu, 22, 23, 24th.
Aadhi says
Namaskaram,
Can you please explain what should be done if periods happens during these days..Especially on the first 3 days or last 3 days ?..
Sujata Shukla says
Hello and thanks for visiting my blog. These are my thoughts on how to handle Golu related matters during periods: Once Golu has been kept, it is important to offer naivedhyam every day. If you periods occur any time during the 9 days, you could request anyone in the family including husband, in-laws, son or daughter, or even a friend or neighbour to offer fruits and milk as naivedyam instead of yourself offering it during the first 3 days of the periods. You don’t have to have guests every day and could call your friends and relatives to visit your Golu on specific days. That way at least you reduce the risk of any one dropping in unexpectedly. I suggest you keep sets of thambolam, a blouse piece, manjal, kumkumam, betel levels and bananas readily placed in case some one does come in on any of the days, which again a family member could give to the guest. Hope I have cleared your doubts and feel free to ask if there is anything else.Wishing you a very happy Navaratri Golu
Aadhi says
thank you so much the information🙏...can you please let us know when can we setup kalasam if it overlaps on first day and how can we remove kalasam if it happens on last 3 days..Can husband do it?..
Sujata Shukla says
Yes of course, Aadhi, your husband or son/ daughter, other relative or friend, can set up the kalasam or remove it. The kalasam is to be set up on the Golu in your home and naivedyam offered (even just milk and fruit), that is the important aspect. Of course this is my personal opinion but I don't see any thing wrong with some one else helping to set up the kalasam when the lady of the house is not able to do so.
Saranya Vinothkumar says
Hi,can I keep kalasam on Sunday(18th oct).
Sujata Shukla says
Keeping the kalasam is the most important activity for Golu and puja and naivedyam should be done once kalasam has been kept. Pratipada this year (for Tamilnadu) is from 1.00 a.m to 9.08 pm on 17th October and hence kalasam should be placed before 9.08 p.m. and puja performed after that as soon as possible but within the time of Pratipada i.e. before 9.08 p.m. Dolls may be kept before or after the kalasam is placed, according to your tradition. About keeping kalasam on 18th, Im not sure, as Navaratri puja is on 17th Oct. Perhaps you can ask elders in your family for their advice on this. Please also check in the local Panchangam of the place you stay at, to ascertain when Pratipada occurs for that location
Srija says
Hi Sujata,
This is my first time keeping Golu because I like traditions and customs and I have a question - I have a Krishna Statue that is about 1 1/2 feet tall that I use for Krishna Jayanthi and Vishu. Can I keep this for the Golu as well?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Srija. Thanks for visiting my blog. About the Krishna statue: Yes of course you can. Are you concerned because of the height of the statue? Usually we keep images of Vishnu's avatars on the 3rd step. As yours is quite tall, you may want to keep it in the centre of the 3rd step. If the statue is heavy and you are hesitant to keep it on the golu, you could instead arrange it as a 'theme' at one side of the steps, e.g. make a Brindavan theme with the statue firmly on the ground surrounded by other items for the theme and dolls depicting cows, Gopis or even ladies carrying out tasks like making butter. Let me know if I have clarified your doubt or your question is on some other aspect. Have a lovely Navaratri and do send an image of your golu for all our readers to enjoy.
Akilandeswari says
If we decide to have for last 3 days, what is the procedure? This is the first time I am trying. I would like to try for 3 days first.
Sujata Shukla says
Hello Akilandeswari. Thank you for visiting my blog. About the Golu procedure: Yes, Golu may be kept for just the last 3 days. We keep Golu usually for 9 days but if you want to start the practice it should be at least for the last 3 days and not lesser than that. The golu may be small with a minimum of 3 steps. Gods on the top step and the last step could be just toys and dolls available at your home.If you are keeping Kalasam, it should be kept for the last 3 days too. Please read my responses to the queries in comments at the end of this post, I have explained these matters as well as whether kalasam needs to be kept or not.
Naivedyam can be simple, even fruits and milk or a variety rice like puliyodarai or lemon rice. Mulaparai can be planted a few days ahead so that it has time to grow by the time you keep the Golu. All the best for your golu and I will be happy to answer any further queries/ clarifications
Kalpu says
Hi mam ,
If any close relatives expired in this year then can I keep golu or not? Please let me know two my close relatives expired in this year.i am worrying whether I have to keep or not?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Kalpana. My thoughts, and speaking as a Tamilian which is what I am: conventionally, when there is a death in the family of a married woman - her own parent, grandparent, siblings (and not uncles aunts etc) one year theetu/ mourning is observed in most families. During this period certain temples such as those on hill tops are not visited (and in some families any temple), festivals and celebrations are not observed. A death in her husband's paternal family (people belonging to the same gothra, such as husbands fathers brother, husband's grandfather, grandfather's brother etc again one year theetu is observed. Hence if the relationship is of any of these persons, then generally golu also would not be observed. One can however do puja and simple naivedyam on all 9 days of Navarathri. All this is however dependent on the traditions and customs of ones husband's family. If they observe one year mourning with no festivals being celebrated, then golu comes under the same category. Personally I feel that if one is actually grieving and sorrowful at a death, irrespective of the relationship, then the one year period is to be observed, as it is not comfortable to celebrate a festival when there is sorrow in the heart. Finally, you should do what makes you comfortable. Hope this helps. If I can explain anything further, please do ask.
Varnika Shree says
Hey hai it's very nice to read this bling is it possible to give us the data for 2020 also.. I would like to keep it this year too..
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Varnika for reminding me. I have now updated the post with the dates for keeping Golu in October 2020. Do share pictures and descriptions of your Golu this year, I would love to show them on the post!
Kalaivani Muthu says
Thank u so much Mrs.sujatha.i wil follow these this year.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you! I would love to see the pictures of your Kolu this year! All the best!
Lakshmi says
Hi, Thank you for the detailed description. I shall be following this page as plan to keep golu this year.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you for visiting my blog. I’m glad you find this post useful. There is additional information in my responses to comments at the end of the post, you may find those useful too.
Ramya says
Hi, very informative post. I'm a Jain. We don't have this rituals. Just we do Pooja on the temple and distribute sundal and other gifts on the temple itself.
I have a question, when someone calls me to visit their house for gollu. What should we take to give it to them.
Sujata Shukla says
Thanks for visiting my site, Ramya. We are generally not expected to give anything when visiting for Golu, but it would be nice to take fruit, or flowers, or even sweets. You could even take homemade sweets or kheer or Sundal. I had suggested in my response to a similar query in comments below that you could give the fruit or flowers in an attractive cane or other basket, as a gift. Happy Navaratri!
Rohini says
Excellent post and beautifully researched!
I have a question. Once the gollu has been dismantled, what should be done with the rice salt chillies and lentils that were placed in front of the trader husband and wife. Must that be used at home for cooking? Please let me know. Thank you 🙏
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Rohini, and thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment on my post. Yes, the rice, salt, chilies etc kept for the chettiar bommai, are used by us in cooking, once the golu is dismantled. In my view, if it is not convenient for you to use them in cooking, you can give them away to a needy person.
Deepti says
Excellent post. I’m planning to keep the dolls from next year. I greatly appreciate your efforts in writing such a detailed post covering all aspects of golu. I’m going to keep this post handy!!!
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you so much, Deepti!
Happy Navaratri!
Batter Up With Sujata says
Great post. So informative. Really enjoyed reading. I didn't know about this ritual. Thanks for sharing.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Sujata Roy. I’m glad you liked the post
Vidya says
Dear Mam,
Happy Navaratri to you and your family ! Thanks for the blog. It is very informative. I have a query. Can we add new golu/ dolls in the middle of the celebration?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Vidya, and thanks for the Navaratri wishes. I had replied to this comment earlier today, but I don't see it now, so I'm replying again. Normally we don't touch the Golu once we set it up, however I don't see any problem in adding more dolls during Navaratri. For example when you buy new dolls after initial setting up, or someone gives you some dolls. As the Golu depicts Devi Mahishasuramardini sitting in State at her Court/ Darbar, the addition of dolls would be like more people coming to her Court! What we would not do is remove any doll before Navaratri is over and the Golu is being dismantled. Happy Navaratri and do send a picture of your Golu, I would love to share it on my post for other readers to see!
Shobha Prabhakar says
Hi madam, read your informative article. I am keeping navarathri dolls since 4 years, but this year due to some personal reasons could not start on the first day. My question is can I keep it for 7 days or 5 days now ? Waiting for the reply.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Shobha. Thanks for visiting my site and Im glad you found it useful.
We keep Navaratri for the entire 9 days, and if that is not possible, then just for the last 3 days. We do not keep it for 7 days, 5 days etc.
Happy Navaratri and I would love to see a picture of your Golu as well as show it to other readers on my blog!
Dhiviya says
Highly informative and a conscious draft to instill a most treasured custom. Worth appreciation and wish you continue to cherish our customs and traditions.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you so much! And thanks for visiting my site! Happy Navaratri!
Ramalakshmi says
Excellent description... This is my third golu which I started for my daughter of 2 years old.just now reading this and starting this years procedure. .loads of thanks for info nd encouragement
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you for visiting my site! I’m so glad you found the post useful. Wishing you and of course your daughter, a very Happy Navaratri! Do send pictures of your Golu so I can share them on my post!
Arthi says
Hi thr.. very informative post..
I wanted to know
If it's ok to keep Golu only the last day ( as I have a toddler 2yr old it's our first try with her around ) ?
And is it ok to keep mulapari and kalasam for tat one day?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. Thanks for reading my post. About your query: if you are not keeping Golu for 9 days but want to start the practice, it should be kept for at least the last 3 days, not lesser time than that. It can be a small golu, with minimum 3 steps and with whatever dolls you have, including toys on the last step. Mulaparai and Kalasam for the 3 days. Please read the other comments below this post, and my responses to readers about whether kalasam has to be kept or not.
Naivedyam can be simple, even fruits and milk or a variety rice like puliyodarai or lemon rice. Mulaparai can be planted a few days ahead so that it has time to grow by the time you keep the Golu. Hope this helps. Let me know how it goes! Im sure your daughter will enjoy this, just as much as my granddaughter does! Happy Navaratri!
Pavi says
Very informative post.. thank you. I have always wondered what to take when visiting a friend's Golu? Any advice? As I don't keep Golu in my house, there is no opportunity to return the favour of tamboolam.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Pavi, and thanks for visiting my site and going through my post. Interesting question! We don't take any gift when we visit for Golu, but that doesn't mean we can't start new practices! You can take flowers, fruits just as you would when visiting a puja. Perhaps you can keep the fruits in a nice basket, maybe a bamboo or cane one, which you can hand over as a gift. Or something you made at home: sundal, payasam, vadai. Even home made chutney or jam, Im sure it will be appreciated. I think its a nice custom you are beginning! All the best and Happy Navaratri. Do write in to tell us what you decided to go with!
Jamuna says
thank you so much for all the details.. I have a print out of the main post to guide me thru my debut 🙂
Sujata Shukla says
Im so glad my post has been useful. Feel free to ask anything further, if I can help, I will!
Mangalam says
Wonderful article...
Thoroughly enjoyed reading it..
Wanted to know the story related to Pandavas and mulaparai..
Could you please provide a link to the same ??
Thanks much..
Happy Navaratri .
-Mangalam
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you and Im glad you liked the post.
Pandavas and Mulaparai - I will add to the post, shortly!
Ranjini says
I would like to know the reason behind keeping the dolls facing either East or North. If the dolls face east, when we do namaskaram it will be towards west which is ok. If the dolls face North, we will be prostrating towards South, which I thought was not ok (Thekkai parthu namaskaram pannadhe - is what I have heard).
Sujata Shukla says
Thanks for visiting my site Ranjini. I have not earlier thought of the reason for keeping golu steps facing East or North,until you asked this question. However, we keep the Gods in our Puja rooms facing East or North, and the Golu follows the same custom. Facing East it the best option and we do not keep the Golu facing South at any cost. Some people do keep it West facing, but usually it is East or North. About the namaskaram direction - you have a point but I presently don't have an answer. I will however find out and update the post as well as inform you. We can do the namaskaram parallel to the Golu steps,instead of facing the Golu, so that we do not have to face South while prostrating. I will get back with more details at the earliest!
Kalaivani Muthu says
Thank u so much for d kind information regarding keeping golu / kalasam timings.i have started keeping golu since last year as my 7 year daughter likes n enjoys navarathri golu.v r non brahmins,pure vegetarians( Saiva pillai )do I need to avoid using onion n garlic on these 9 days
Can I continue keeping golu in future years ahead
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Kalaivani for visiting my site and going through this post. Of course you can keep Golu in the years ahead, and its such a lovely custom that I am glad you are doing this. It is wonderful that children are exposed to our customs and culture! During the 9 days of Navaratri, as the Goddess is said to be in our house, we do not use onion, garlic, eggs. Some people believe we should not make pickles and chutneys with chili tadka/ talichu/ tempering in hot oil, as the heat may hurt the Goddess. Before keeping Golu, the house should be cleaned of dust, cobwebs etc. so that you are ready to welcome Her into your home. I hope your daughter enjoys the coming Navaratri! Do send me a picture of your Golu so that I can add it to my post! Happy Navartri!
Kalaivani Muthu says
Thank u so much Mrs.sujatha.i wil follow these this year.
Sudha says
Can we keep the gollu without கலசம். My friend is keeping golu with kamatchi vilaku and doing neivedyam for that
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you for visiting my site. The whole idea of Golu, as I understand it, is that Mahishasuramardhini is sitting in her Court or Darbar, with her subjects before her, before leaving to battle with Mahishasura. The Kalasam is believed to be Devi herself in the Golu, and remains there, in our home for the Nine day period. This is why we us keep kalasam as part of the Golu. However, some people prefer not to keep the kalasam. I have not personally seen such a Golu but I have read that some people feel the Goddess is coming into the house and one may not have the madi/ aacharam to really keep the house fit for her visit. It depends on family traditions. It is auspicious to keep Kalasam and Naivedyam is always done twice a day once Kalasam is kept, as the naivedyam is meant for Devi who resides in the Kalasam. I hope I have explained. Happy Navaratri, and do let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Meenakshi says
we keep golu every year... but dont keep kalasam... wanted to keep this year... is there any custom as to only if there is tradition of keeping kalasam we can keep or I can keep this year
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you for visiting my site and reading my Navaratri Golu post. Yes you can keep the kalasam this year even if you have not kept it earlier. As I have explained today for a comment by another reader, though most of us keep kalasam as part of the Golu, some people prefer not to keep the kalasam. It depends on family traditions. The whole idea of Golu, as I understand it, is that Mahishasuramardhini is sitting in her Court or Darbar, with her subjects before her, before leaving to battle with Mahishasura. The Kalasam is believed to be Devi herself in the Golu, and remains there, in our home for the Nine day period. It is auspicious to keep Kalasam, and you can start it as your custom. Naivedyam is always done twice a day once Kalasam is kept, as the naivedyam is meant for Devi who resides in the Kalasam. I hope I have explained. Happy Navaratri, and do let me know if there is anything else I can help with.
Jamuna Ranganathan says
Very Informative.. I will be starting this year. Can I keep a kalasam made from mud ?? Also what are the practice s to invite friends over ..
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Jamuna and thank you so much for visiting my blog and reading my post on Navaratri Kolu.
Kalasam is usually of brass or copper or silver, but a mud kalasam can also be kept. The reason we keep a metal one is because most of us keep water in the kalasam. However if you are keeping rice, then a mud pot would be fine!
2. Inviting friends over: You can inform your friends as to which days / approx time (usually in the evenings) you would like them to come over. This gives you time to go to other friends houses for their golu, instead of having to be at home in case somebody drops in. In earlier days, a lot of ladies would visit, almost every day, so those of us who kept golu, could not go out at all and we had to make sure we didn't run out of sundal prasadam. But nowadays its quite ok to schedule a time for visits.
Estimate how many ladies are going to visit, and keep ready adequate sundal and gift sets for each: a blouse piece, manjal kazhangu (root) or even a small packet of manjal if that's easier, a small plastic kumkuma choppu filled with kumkum or a small packet of kumkumam if that's easier.A banana or coconut to be included. A small plastic comb and a small mirror is traditional. Some people give a few glass bangles, you can decide on this. Keep fresh betel/ vethalai leaves on a plate and add it to each set when you are going to give it. A few (maybe two) pieces of pakku/ betel nuts. This makes one set. Keep donnais/leaves ready for placing sundal for each guest. If you wish you can add an extra gift such as a stainless steel or plastic bowl or basket or plate. This is not mandatory, do what is convenient for you. Usually if little girls come with their mothers, we give them a set too. For boys and men, usually only the prasadam is given. If you wish and you expect small boys to visit, keep a small plastic toy for them or any other gift you find convenient.
I like the idea of giving a kolam pattern or a book with Slokams, for the girls. It encourages them to learn to draw kolams and read slokams.
Keep mats/pai or jamakalam/ cloth mats before the golu and seat the guests there when they come. They will admire the kolu. You can ask them to sing, if they are comfortable. Guests do not usually stay for a long time, though that depends on how well you know them. Keep a tray with a jug and glasses of water readily available, and guide them to the wash basin for washing their hands if they eat the sundal at your house. Keep paper napkins or a towel ready for their use.
Sundal is the main prasadam as well as the naivedyam for the evening. If you wish, you can add a sweet or payasam.
All the best Jamuna, and do let me know if I can help in any further way. Do let me know how the golu went, and send pictures which I can show on the blog! Happy Navartri!
Suganya says
Hello ma'am thanks for ur guidelines...I have some doubts
1.i m going to start golu this year when should I purchase dolls
2.if any Pooja should be done for new dolls ??
3.if I fill kalasam with water means may I refill it if it drains
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Suganya and thanks for visiting my blog and going through the Navaratri Golu post.
1. Dolls can be purchased at any time, no date or time is required to be seen for the same. You can purchase whatever is comfortable now, and then year on year add to your dolls collection. I try to buy a few dolls for my daughter who is in the USA, every year and send them to her whenever possible, so that her collection keeps growing.
2. No puja is required for new dolls. The first puja will be once you set up the golu padi/ steps, and place the dolls and the kalasam. Once kalasam has been kept, you need to start naivedyam from that day onwards.
3. Once the kalasam is set up, we do not move it for 9 days, till Navaratri Golu period has been completed. If you are keeping a brass kalasam, there is no reason for the water to drain. After all, you are only keeping a few mango leaves at the top, with their stems just dipping into the water, and the coconut would not even touch the water. So in my experience, the water doesn't drain. To prevent the water from becoming stale, add a piece of camphor, turmeric/ manjal root, vetiver root (if available), a cardamom, a clove. You don't have to add all these, one or two should be sufficient to keep the water fresh, but do add a piece of camphor without fail, it will help to keep the water fresh. Keep fresh mango leaves and let the stem ends just touch the water. They usually do not dry, but even if they do, do not remove them till you remove the Kalasam after 9 days.
All the best for your first golu, and do update us all on how it went, and send pictures for me to show on the blog! Happy Navartri to you!
Preetha Ramachandran says
That's an useful post. As some others mentioned, I do not even have steps to create Goku. But I still want to do from this year onwards with a few dolls I have. Is it Okey to do so on one to two levels?
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Preetha. Golu is traditionally kept on odd numbers of steps. One step may not look like a Golu. See if you make 3 steps - use books, cardboard cartons, bricks, tables - anything available. Cover it up nicely with cloth or a saree. Start with whatever dolls/ toys you have. Golu dolls get collected over years - it doesn’t matter if you have only a few on each step. All the best, and send us pictures of your first Golu!
Nalini says
Very informative. Thank you so much for sharing, this is helping all of us beginners.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Nalini! Glad it is of use!
Sri says
I am from north india and i just love south indian culture and traditions and the way they celebrate navratri. After reading the post even i want to keep a golu at my house though we keep kalash every year during navratri. Here we dont get golu dolls. Can i use my gods idol that i have at home.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi. Yes you can. And you can get wooden or clay dolls locally available: Rajasthani musicians set, Women working, farmers in the fields etc. And musical instruments, kitchen utensils (all small like toys, made of clay or wood). Radha Krishna sets etc. Swami Vivekananda, Gandhiji etc. Amazon offers quite a few from South India , I have got them for my daughter - search for ‘Navaratri dolls’ and ‘Dancing Dolls’. A Golu collection is usually built up slowly over the years.
Ranjini Ramesh says
Hello thanks for all the info I want to start keeping golu this year onwards. Can I do it I don’t know I am working and there is nobody else at home to help me. My son is just 6 years old and hubby is into business so quite busy. Pls tell me if i ca start with a few dolls and just 3 steps?
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Ranjini! Of course you can start small, with whatever dolls are on hand, even toys! You can keep milk and fruits for Naivedyam when you don’t have time to prepare a Sundal or a sweet! All the best, and do post a picture of your first Golu!
Srividya says
That's a great explanation to the golu tradition. I do have doubts. Please clarify.
I wish to perform the golu ritual starting this year. Main concern is on the event of periods...and also whether there could be days without guests. As I have a profession to attend.
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Srividya. Thanks for going through my post on Navarathri Golu. Let me try answering your questions with my own opinion. What is required is to offer neivedhyam every day that you keep the Golu. Those days that you are not able to, ask anyone in the family including your husband or a son or daughter, or even a friend or neighbour to offer fruits and milk as neivedyam instead of your doing it. And you don't need to have guests every day. You could call your friends and relatives to visit your Golu on specific days, that way at least you reduce the risk of any one dropping in unexpectedly. Keep a thambolam of a jacket piece, manjal, kumkumam, betel levels and bananas on hand in case some one does come in on any of the days. Hope I have cleared your doubts and feel free to ask if there is anything else.
Renukadevi says
Thank you for your information about golu. I am celebrating golu in my house first time. Can u please suggest me that what is the best time morning and evening for pooja ? Await ur reply
Sujata Shukla says
Hi Renukadevi. I have not given timings for the daily Pooja as these don't seem to be prescribed anywhere. The Pooja may therefore be at any time that is not Rahu Kalam or Yama Gandam. In the morning, at your earliest convenience have a bath and make Naivedyam and do the Pooja. In the evening, with Naivedyam, before sunset when it begins to turn dark. Hope this helps.
Dharini says
Well written, very informative. Thank you.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you for reading this post, Dharini!
Sujitha says
Great post Sujata well written and a must read.Our celebrations are really different.
Sujata Shukla says
Thank you Sujitha!
Shyamala Vaidyanathan says
Informative and we'll written post Madam..Looking forward to read the next post in the series
Sujata Shukla says
I'm glad you like it! Any inputs on additions/ corrections or a custom in your family are welcome!