Bomma Kolu - exhibition-cum-sale of dolls at Ernakulam attracts public

The Vanitha Vibhagam of the Kerala Brahmana Sabha, Ernakulam City Unit organized an exhibition-cum-sale of clay dolls meant for the 'Bommai Kolu' as part of Navarathri celebrations. The exhibition showcased clay dolls of various deities for traditional ‘Bommai Kolu’ displays which accompany Navarathri celebrations in Brahmin houses. Apart from the traditional clay dolls of deities, other clay and plaster - of - paris sculptures and decorative figurines were also showcased and sold. The dolls and figurines were brought from Bunrotti, Velacheri and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. This year, the exhibition contained more than 270 varieties of clay dolls and figurines worth a total of Rs 3 lakhs. The exhibition-cum-sale was held from 19th September 2011 to 22nd September 2011. Baby Shankar, Secretary of Vanitha Vibhagam said the exhibition-cum-sale had a good feedback from public and the print-visual media extended a good support.

BOMMAI KOLU: The Navrathri Kolu is displayed on stairs created from wood. The number of steps depends on the availability of the dolls. The maximum number is nine – representing the nine days of Navrathri. Usually, the steps are arranged in odd numbers. There are no hard and fast rules for arranging the dolls. Nowadays, the arrangement depends on the availability of dolls. In most places, the entire nine steps will be filled with statues of various gods and goddesses in Hindu pantheon. Sculptures of spiritual and national leaders are also exhibited in many places.

The topmost three steps are dedicated to various gods and goddesses. The next three steps are dedicated to Gurus, saints, religious personalities and other highly respected figures in the country and world. The seventh step is dedicated to various social activities and festivals. People depict marriages and important festivals in this step. Business, crafts and other economic activities are depicted in the eighth step. Creative women depict a buzzing market place and other activities. The ninth step is dedicated to dolls made of wood. Dolls of men, women, children, animals and birds are placed in this step.

During Bommai Kolu, the entire neighborhood, friends and relatives gather in a house and sing bhajans dedicated to Goddess Durga. Special sweets are prepared during the period. The dolls are taken out on the day of Vijayadashami.