Navratri Golu

-

Navratri Golu, the vibrant festival that decorates homes with beautifully arranged dolls and idols, is much more than a display of artistic craftsmanship. It is a deep-rooted celebration of tradition, culture, and spirituality, observed primarily in South India. The Golu, or "Bommai Kolu," is set up on steps, where each tier represents a cosmic layer of existence, ranging from the simplest forms of life to the most divine.

The practice of Golu dates back to the Vijayanagara Empire, where it was traditionally encouraged as a way to preserve and promote art, culture, and knowledge. The dolls and idols displayed in Golu are symbolic of gods, goddesses, saints, animals, and mythological stories. At its core, Golu celebrates the victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), marking the triumph of good over evil, which is the very essence of Navratri.

The number of steps in a Golu varies, but it is typically arranged in odd numbers, such as 3, 5, 7, or 9, reflecting the different layers of spiritual consciousness. The topmost tier is dedicated to the divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—or to the goddess Durga, who represents Shakti, the cosmic energy. As we descend the tiers, the levels of life—humans, animals, and materialistic existence—are represented, symbolizing the interconnectedness of all beings in the universe. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to one form of Devi—Durga, Lakshmi, or Saraswati—invoking their blessings for strength, wealth, and wisdom.

The spiritual tatparya (meaning or essence) of the Golu celebration is drawn from the sacred texts and teachings. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of divine devotion and the balance between karma and bhakti, which resonates with the idea of ascending from worldly desires to divine realization, represented through the Golu steps. The Devi Mahatmyam (also known as Durga Saptashati), an important scripture recited during Navratri, describes the power of the goddess in her various forms as the protector and nurturer of the universe, reminding us of the strength of the feminine divine energy.

One of the most profound aspects of Golu is its association with community and learning. Families open their homes to friends, relatives, and neighbors, exchanging prasadam (offering) and stories, and even organizing cultural programs such as music, dance, and discourse. This reflects a key Vedic ideal of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the whole world is one family. Through the Golu festival, not only do we preserve our heritage, but we also create an environment for spiritual growth and community bonding.

The legacy of Golu continues to thrive, passed down through generations. It serves as a reminder of our duties toward society, family, and spiritual goals, while also offering a moment of reflection on our personal journeys. As Adi Shankaracharya beautifully said in his Vivekachudamani, "Bhaja Govindam, Bhaja Govindam, Govindam Bhaja Mudhamate," which translates to, "Seek Govinda, Seek Govinda, O fool, as all material knowledge and wealth will vanish." This reminder of spiritual pursuit over worldly distractions resonates deeply in the celebration of Navratri Golu, where the ascent of the steps symbolizes our journey toward liberation (moksha).

In essence, Navratri Golu is not just a festive display of dolls, but a profound expression of devotion, learning, and the timeless victory of righteousness, urging us to harmonize the material and spiritual worlds within our lives.

Venkataramanan Ramasethu

Popular posts from this blog

"A Bronx Tale" is a compelling crime and coming-of-age drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, released in 1993.

-
Image
"A Bronx Tale" is a compelling crime and coming-of-age drama directed by and starring Robert De Niro, released in 1993. The film is a powerful narrative set in the 1960s Bronx, New York, revolving around the life of a young Italian-American boy, Calogero Anello, who is torn between his admiration for a local mob boss, Sonny, and his hard-working, honest father, Lorenzo. The story kicks off when Calogero witnesses Sonny, the charismatic yet feared gangster, commit a murder. When the police arrive, Calogero chooses not to identify Sonny as the shooter, beginning a complex relationship between the boy and the mobster. Sonny takes Calogero under his wing, nicknaming him "C," and introduces him to the ways of organized crime. This mentorship provides Calogero with a seductive glimpse into a world of easy money and respect, contrasting sharply with his father's values of hard work and honesty. Lorenzo, portrayed by De Niro, is a bus driver who goes to grea
Read more

"The Deer Hunter," released in 1978

-
Image
"The Deer Hunter," released in 1978, stands as a cinematic masterpiece, a haunting portrayal of the impacts of the Vietnam War on the lives of American soldiers and their communities. Central to this film are the deeply moving performances of Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep, actors of extraordinary talent and depth. De Niro, playing Michael, embodies the transformation of a man touched by the horrors of war. His portrayal is a journey through the human psyche, grappling with the brutality of conflict and the struggle to retain humanity amidst chaos. De Niro's ability to convey a complex range of emotions - from stoic resilience to profound trauma - is nothing short of masterful. He brings to life a character who is both heroic and deeply flawed, allowing the audience to feel the weight of his experiences. Meryl Streep, as Linda, offers a poignant and sensitive portrayal of a woman caught in the turmoil of war, albeit from the home front. Streep's performan
Read more

Childhood Memories of Deepavali Celebration at my Native Village in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu

-
Image
Deepavali, the luminous festival of lights, is a recollection of vivid memories, woven with the golden threads of joy and the colors of tradition. In my childhood, the festival was synonymous with the journey to my native village in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The anticipation would build up days in advance, as we prepared to leave the city's concrete embrace for the open arms of the countryside. Arriving in the village was like stepping into a different realm, where the air was scented with the earthy petrichor of the first rain on parched soil and the smoky sweetness of bursting crackers. The streets, aflutter with excitement, were lined with houses glowing with oil lamps, their flickering lights dancing like spirits of ancestors come to join the celebration. Mornings would start with the symphony of temple bells and the chorus of birds, as the village woke up to adorn itself. We would wear new clothes, the fabric still holding the warmth of the sun from dry
Read more