INTRO

This year, my Golu theme, "MIT Bridge," inspired by the Chromepet area of Chennai, symbolizes the connections between cultures and communities, much like the bridges that bring us together. The bridge has been lovingly handcrafted using charts, boards, and vibrant colors, while the surrounding houses are also made by hand. My display features beautifully crafted figurines that represent various traditions, celebrating our rich diversity. Additionally, my Golu consists of 10 carefully designed steps, each adorned with vintage dolls that embody our cultural heritage. Each doll tells its own story, reflecting traditions passed down through generations. These cherished figures evoke nostalgia and remind us of timeless memories, with their intricate details showcasing the artistry of the past. As visitors explore our Golu, I hope they will reflect on the importance of building bridges—both real and symbolic—to foster understanding and harmony among different cultures.
In conclusion, let’s come together to create a brighter future by appreciating our differences and the shared humanity that binds us all. Thank you.

we have chosen to keep the stories of dasavatharam and azhwars this year. we have been keeping golu for more than 15 years

Hi

Iam Vidhya Arun from Coimbatore

Glimpse of our Kolu 2024

Theme of our Kolu is
" *Sacred Sanctums - Golu of Divine Abodes"*

Our Kolu is themed using the recycling concept

Paper Thermocol Clay and Cardboards are used to build miniature models of Temples and the Mini City.


These temple miniature models are aimed at reviving our spritual desire to visit these temples and savour our cultural heritage!
🙏🏻🙏🏻

The other part of the kolu depicts our country which reflects ethos of rural life as well as the buzz of the city life

5 step golu with Ashtalakshmi, Kanakadhara, Kartikeya Jananam sets with the other god and goddess dolls.
Our creativity this time is what we named as "Lords of the ring", where Tirupathi Balaji and Thaayar as centre piece, and surrounded by Dasavatharam, repurposed on cake stand.
Along with, we added Pradosham on to the right of my golu steps and to the left, made a temple theme where marriage is happening aa well.
Just below the lords of the ring, hand made waterfalls, mini city and park.

Our Golu captures the journey of evolution and the interconnectedness of all beings. By illustrating the progression from simple life forms to divine consciousness.
Human evolution to attain godly state, GOD is there in everyone of us.

Creation of living beings started with one sense living beings to 6 sense human beings and then merge with Ultimate Consciousness being (Shiva, Vishnu etc..) So our first steps is representing mostly animals followed by human beings (1st step from bottom) then Gurus/selfless people who work for common cause (2nd step), then Siddars/Saints (3rd step), Astalakshmi (4th step), Avatars of God (5th step) , God/Goddesses Shiva/Shakti-The Oneness (7th step)

We are living in a world of illusion/maya with so many happenings around us. To represent that I have kept the various themes of market, sports, streets, parks, resorts, marriage etc.. where we generally get entangled in our cycle of birth/death or karma.

Please check the following links,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1N7lTiYwpw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEUCkHFixC4

I have replicated Statue of Equality which is situated in Hyderabad. As my theme represents the new adventure or places I have visited during the year.
I also have Traditional golu of Five steps.
I have displayed Krishna as a different theme.

My all time favorite festival is Navrathri and will be waiting for it every year. We always go with a theme for navrathri and this time our theme is temple festivals(koil thiruvuzha)
1. Durga Pooja in Kolkata
2. Chidambaram Natyanjali
3. Thrissur Pooram
4. Kalazhagar aatril yeranguthal (Chithirai thiruvuzha Madurai)
5. Soorasamharam Thiruchendur
Along with this theme our regular dolls have also been displayed.

This year, our Golu theme beautifully celebrates the divine essence of Durga, elegantly adorned in a traditional Madisar. Under the majestic Durga idol, we have arranged a captivating Villaku Pooja performance, symbolizing the light and devotion that fills our hearts during this festive season.

To the right side of the Golu, we have created a charming display on small steps, showcasing an exquisite collection of handcrafted idols. Each idol tells a story and adds to the richness of our celebration. Among these, you will find:

- **Ramar:** The embodiment of virtue and righteousness, representing the ideals of dharma.
- **Kannapanayanar:** A symbol of unwavering devotion and love, reminding us of the power of faith.
- **Durga:** The fierce protector, embodying strength and courage, inspiring us to overcome obstacles.
- **Balathripura Sundari:** The goddess of beauty and grace, radiating divine feminine energy.
- **Venkateswar Thirukalyanam:** A depiction of the divine marriage, symbolizing unity and love.
- **Perumal and Thayar:** The divine couple, representing harmony and the sacred bond of love.
- **Mahisasura Vadham:** The powerful narrative of the triumph of good over evil, showcasing the victory of Durga over the buffalo demon.

This thoughtfully curated display not only highlights the artistic craftsmanship of our idols but also serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance of our tradition

Placing Golu from year 2024 at my home immediately after my marriage. Living in Krishnan Kovil street, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, India. I am a state Government employee surviving along with my husband Mahesh who is a Lawyer and my daughter Arundhati who is a Engineering graduate.

We have been keeping golu for more than 25 years. Every year we plan a theme which helps the younger generation to understand our stories and the moral values that they bring in.

Theme- Emotional symphony

Happy Navarathri, Our theme this year is based on Raagas...Emotions and Raagas. We have shown a story for each emotion and the raaga which suits the emotion.
Bhakti - Bhakta prahlad story - Kedaragowlai,Hamsanadham
Joy - Rama returning to Ayodhya and Coronation-Mohanakalyani
Fear- Raja parikshit- kanakangi
Romance- Krishnaleela-Madhuvanthi
Compassion-Abiramapattar story - Sahana