A few south Indian homes in the city still uphold the cherished Navratri practice
Dolls depicting Arupadai Veedu, the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga (right) Golu showing the final incarnation of Muruga
As Navratri lights up homes across the city, a few south Indian ones like Revati Venugopal’s, continue to keep in touch with their roots in keeping with the heritage of arranging dolls called Golu that tell a tale of gods and goddesses during the festival season. Among these divine tales, one of the most enchanting is that of the Karthigai Pengal — the six celestial maidens from the Krittika star cluster — whose nurturing love shaped the cosmic birth of Lord Muruga, the valiant son of Shiva and Parvati.
The story plays out in the arrangement in Revati’s home, the intricate display is telling of her 22-year devotion to her faith and culture. “I started collecting mud idols during visits to my hometown Tiruchirappalli (aka Trichy) and my in-laws’ hometown Chennai,” said Revati. “Each year, our Golu is thematic and tells a story — this year’s theme is the ‘Arupadai Veedu,’ the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga,” she added.
Many of her dolls are handmade, crafted from cloth and jute with newspaper cores, while the faces are carefully sourced from local shops. “This tradition connects me deeply with my roots, spirituality, and the cultural heritage that Navratri celebrates,” said Revati. “It’s more than just a display—it’s a way to keep the stories, faith, and devotion alive in my home here in Mumbai,” she added.
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