INTRO

Namaste and Navarthri Greetings to all. Welcome to the Bomma Golu 2024 kept by Padma Shyam and family from the Kingdom of Bahrain, an island country in the Arabian Gulf. Thank you for giving us an opportunity to showcase our Golu.

Our main theme this year is “Brahmaandam / Grandeur”. This is represented in the main Kolu which comprise of the Nine steps reaching from the ground level all the way to the ceiling. We have a Ganesha kept in the centre of each step of the Golu and a variety of more than 2000 dolls from our rich Sanathana dharma and culture. We also have other regular sub-themes, namely the Ganesha (Ganapathy) section, the theme of Lord Shiva and family and theme based on Devis and Devi Poojas. The Ganesha section has apart from the over 150 types of Ganesha, a special and huge “Rama Ganesha” (adorned in blue) to commemorate the opening of the Rama Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya,. The theme on Lord Shiva’s family includes the Kailasha, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Aishwarya Shivan, Kannappa Nayanar, Pradosha Shivan, Natarajar and the deities of Annamalaiar and Unnamalai Amman.
Special sub-themes that are of relevance to the current year, a trip to Ayodhya and also the finals of the T20 World Cup won by India. We have attempted to bring a mini Ayodhya to the Kingdom of Bahrain by highlighting popular temples and tourist spots in the city we had visited earlier this year. A section covering the figurines from multiple religions, showcases the richness in our principle of Oneness and the concept of inclusivity across people of diverse faiths and beliefs.
We have also displayed different Lego structures made to perfection by my son over many years including a Disney castle to celebrate 100 years of Disney and Harry Potter themes.
We have been keeping this Golu in Bahrain for the past 27 years and almost about 1000 people come and visit the same across the 9 days of Navarathri every year. As a trademark for the Golu arrangements and decorations in Bahrain, we also illuminate the entire Golu and the garden outside the house with Lazer lights, Multiple types of serial and curtain lights and solar lights.