BIBLIOASIA OCT - DEC 2019 VOL. 15 ISSUE 03 FEATURE

Anasuya Soundararajan is a researcher at the National Library, , where she provides information services to government agencies. Her research areas include culture, communications and education.

Every year, dolls in various forms and sizes take centre stage in many Hindu Ehouseholds for nine nights and 10 days. Known as Bommai Golu in Tamil (mean- ing “Court of Dolls”), this celebration is an integral part of the Navaratri festival. Navaratri, meaning “nine nights” (nava is “nine” and ratri is “nights”), honours the The Hindu Hindu goddess in all her different manifestations. Festival of Dolls Navaratri Golu is believed to have been celebrated since the existence of the Golu Vijayanagar kingdom in 14th-century , Celebrated by of South Indian origins, the Golu and was especially popular with the royal festival is a lively melange of colourful dolls, womenhood and families of and Pudukkottai in 1 spirituality. shares with us its origins. the state of . Today, Golu is Anasuya Soundararajan mainly observed by South Indians from the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and . (Above) A Golu display at the author’s home in 2006. The topmost two steps feature dolls representing Interviews with older Singaporeans . The kalasam (silver or brass pot) is placed on the second tier. Behind thekalasam is the pair reveal that this quaint custom of displaying of marapachi dolls. On the right-hand corner of the third step is a village scene in India. On the second step dolls in the home has been a tradition for from the bottom is a pair of grandfather and grandmother dolls in the traditional Thanjavur bobble-head a number of Indian families in Singapore style. In front of them are traditional cookery toys made of wood. Courtesy of Anasuya Soundararajan. since the 1940s, or perhaps even before (Facing page) A painting of Goddess fighting the buffalo demon Mahishasura. She holds the divine that.2 Over the years, there seems to be weapons (, and conch, among other things) given to her by the gods to empower her to more families and even younger Singa- slay the demon. Artist unknown, Kota, Rajasthan, c. 1750. Stella Kramrisch Collection, 1994, Philadelphia Museum of Art. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons. poreans embracing the practice. Besides the homes, Golu is also observed in Hindu in Singapore. ensuing battle between Durga and Mahi- to worship and enjoy the festive spirit shasura, all the other gods and goddesses as well as indulge in her mother’s delec- The Legend of Navaratri spiritually imbued Durga with their divine table home-cooked vegetarian meals. Golu is celebrated annually as part of the powers and weapons. Mrs Vaidyanathan has since continued Navaratri festival. The festival begins on At midnight, on the 10th and final the tradition in her own home after she the day of a new moon, between Sep- day of the ferocious battle, Durga finally married in 1980.8 tember and October, in the Hindu month managed to pierce her trident into the The Navaratri Golu was an integral of Purattasi. buffalo demon’s chest and behead him. part of the yearly festivities at my home Shakti, one of the goddesses in However, the gods and goddesses, whose when I was growing up. Every year during the Hindu pantheon, takes many forms powers were completely spent after aiding the Navaratri period, my mother would and names.3 Her most important mani- Durga, were turned into statues. Devotees arrange the dolls and figurines on a plat- festation is Durga, the warrior goddess honour and remember the selfless acts form, and perform a nightly (prayer). who vanquished the evil buffalo demon of these gods and goddesses, which are Relatives and friends would be invited Mahishasura.4 symbolised by the dolls displayed during to partake in the festivities, resulting According to the legend of Navaratri, Golu. Navaratri ultimately commemorates in a lively confluence of colourful dolls, Mahishasura waged war in heaven, the victory of Durga over Mahishasura – animated guests, devotional songs and imprisoned all the gods and wreaked the triumph of good over evil.7 delicious food during the nine nights. As havoc on earth. In retaliation, , little children, my brother and I eagerly and , the three gods making Celebrating Golu looked forward to this celebration each up the Hindu , enlisted the help of Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan, a musician and year. My mother, who is 80 this year, has their respective consorts, the goddesses retired teacher, remembers her family’s been putting up Golu displays since 1972 , and .5 From Golu celebrations in their home from and continues to do so until today. the combined strength of the goddesses the early 1940s. Neighbours and friends Families would first clear their furni- emerged Goddess Durga – full of vora- would visit their home at 16 Kirk Terrace ture to create space in the living room for cious strength and power, and riding a during the festival, which she describes the makeshift steps, which are erected a tiger with a trident in her hand.6 In the as a happy gathering of people who came few days before Navaratri. The dolls are 26 27 BIBLIOASIA OCT - DEC 2019 VOL. 15 ISSUE 03 FEATURE

The dolls are usually made of clay, invoking their blessings for good health, participate in the prayers and celebrations. stone or wood and mainly produced in happiness and prosperity. Visitors are then served light refreshments the villages of southern Indian states On the new moon day of the month and prasadam (offerings of food). such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana of Purattasi, akalasam (silver or brass pot) When the guests leave, each woman and Andhra Pradesh. A smaller number is placed on the middle step of the tiered is presented with a thamboolam – a tray of such dolls are made in the northern platform. The pot of water, which repre- containing auspicious items like kungu- state of Rajasthan and the eastern state sents Goddess Shakti, has mango leaves mam (red powder), , betel leaves, of Kolkata.18 My parents bought our dolls covering its opening and is topped with flowers, fruits, sweets and other gifts. during their travels to India in the 1970s a coconut and ringed by a garland of rose The belief is that whatever you give will and ’80s, as it was difficult to find Golu and jasmine blooms. Worshippers invoke be returned to you by the goddesses – as dolls in Singapore at the time. Today, one Goddess Shakti with prayer offerings of represented by the dolls – that are resid- can find a wide assortment of dolls in flowers, oil lamps, camphor and incense.21 ing in your home for the nine nights.26 In shops in Little India during the Navaratri The first set of dolls to adorn the dis- some homes, a kanya puja27 (young girls’ season, with prices ranging from $20 for play is a pair of wooden ones symbo­lising prayer) is performed on any chosen night the simpler ones to $150 for the more a man and a woman, known as the mara- of Navaratri. During the prayer, nine pre- elaborate creations. pachi dolls. Usually placed on the upper pubescent girls are revered and offered steps of the display, these dolls represent gifts such as clothing, fruits and sweets.28 Rituals and Customs Venkateshwara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, On the 10th and final day, or Vijaya- Besides commemorating the victory of and his consort Mahalakshmi. Dressed dasami, the marapachi dolls are made to good over evil, Navaratri is also a cele­ in the traditional silk veshti and saree,22 lie down and symbolically put to sleep, to bration of womanhood where feminity they also depict the union of a husband mark the end of the year’s Navaratri Golu.29 is elevated to a highly auspicious state.19 and wife, and symbolise prosperity and All the dolls are then removed from the Three forms of the Goddess Shakti are wor- fertility.23 If there is a girl in the family, it display, carefully wrapped in cloth and shipped during the festival. The first three is customary for the mother to gift a new stored in boxes, ready to be taken out again (Above) A devotee praying in front of the Golu display at the Sri Mariamman during the Navaratri festival, 2019. Courtesy of Kesavan Rajinikanth. nights of Navaratri are devoted to Goddess set of marapachi dolls to her daughter for the following year’s Golu. Durga when devotees pray for the eradica- when she gets married so that she can Mrs Vijayam Balakrishna Sharma, (Above right) Jothi Flower Shop in Little India, Singapore, selling Golu dolls during Navaratri, 2019. On display are dolls of deities and Hindu mythological tion of evil in thought and deed, and for the start her own Golu tradition.24 a renowned Carnatic musician who has characters, as well as dolls from a wedding scene and village temple procession. Courtesy of Kesavan Rajinikanth. strength to overcome this struggle; the next All the dolls are ritually worshipped celebrated the festival for many years, three nights honour Lakshmi, the goddess during the celebrations.25 In the evenings, exhibited on odd-numbered steps – three, on the steps. This is a task traditionally position. The middle steps are dedicated of wealth, fortune and prosperity; and the a lamp is lit in front of the display, and five, seven or nine – as odd numbers are performed by women. to saints and religious figures, while dolls last three nights celebrate Saraswati, the (devotional songs) are sung in TEMPLE FESTIVITIES DURING considered auspicious in Hindu custom While most of the dolls represent in the lower steps portray vignettes such goddess of know­ledge, wisdom and the praise of Goddess Shakti. Golu is also a NAVARATRI and tradition. The steps are then covered gods and goddesses, some are based on as a wedding scene, a religious procession arts.20 Families observing Navaratri seek social event where relatives and friends with a white piece of cloth, usually a cot- popular saints in Hindusm while others or scenes of village life. Toys and miniature the divine grace of the three goddesses, are invited to view the doll display and Navaratri is one of many festivals ton veshti.9 reflect scenes from everyday life. The kitchenware are displayed on the lowest observed at Hindu temples in Singa- Traditionally, families would create the dolls can also depict characters in Hindu steps. These include Thanjavur dolls, which pore. Devotees visit temples to get (Below) A Navaratri Golu invitation card welcoming relatives steps from whatever furniture is found in the mythology, royal processions and wed- are traditional bobble-head dolls made of and friends to the author’s home in 1976. (Right) A pair of the darshan (blessed vision) of God- 15 home, such as low tables, shelves, benches, dings. In addition to the wide assortment paper and clay or plaster of Paris. marapachi dolls, representing Venkateshwara (an avatar of dess Shakti and participate in special stools, metal trunks or even empty boxes.10 of dolls, miniature kitchenware, little Traditionally, only dolls of Hindu Lord Vishnu) and his consort, Mahalakshmi. The dolls are prayers. Many temples – including Sri The number of steps varies in each home, trinkets and anything ornamental and deities and saints, and scenes depicting dressed in the traditional silkveshti and saree. Courtesy of Mariamman, Sri Veeramakaliamman, depending on the available space and the colourful can be part of the Golu display.12 everyday life in India were featured during Anasuya Soundararajan. Sri Vadapathrakaliamman, Sri Vairavi- number of dolls to be displayed. Golu dolls are traditionally handed Golu. However, in many modern homes mada Kaliamman, Sri Thendayuthapani The very first Golu display in our down from one generation to the next; today, dolls from all over the world – Thai- and Sri Senpaga Vinayagar – put up a home in 1972 was a simple three-step some families may even possess dolls that land, the Philippines and also from Britain Golu display, albeit on a much larger contraption fashioned out of a coffee are more than a hundred years old.13 In and Europe – are sometimes included in and grander scale compared with those table and stools of varying heights. The addition, people may buy new dolls every the Golu display. found in homes. following year, my father constructed a year, thus adding to their collection over The inclusion of non-traditional Music and dance programmes more elaborate nine-step platform by using the years and passing these on to their dolls and themes make Golu even more held in the evenings are also an inte- metal brackets fastened with nuts and descendants. Mrs Vaidyanathan proudly interesting today. Families showcase their gral component of the temple festivi- bolts and custom-made wooden planks. tells me that most of the dolls featured in creativity and artistry in the display and ties. Temples organise classical dance These days, it is much easier to set up a her Golu display were given to her by her try to come up with special themes each performances as well as vocal and display as ready-made Golu steps can be late mother. These are family heirlooms that year.16 Some homes prefer to stick to instrumental devotional music recitals bought in stores in India and Singapore. hold precious memories for her and reflect tradition, while others present the dolls to honour the deities. These lightweight and foldable steps are the rich history of the Golu tradition. She has in more elaborate and extravagant set- made of plastic and come in sets of three, also been buying new dolls over the years, tings. Stories from Indian epics, such as REFERENCES five, seven or nine.11 and now has an impressive collection.14 the and , come Mangala. (1981, October 16). Navarathri. The Straits Times, p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. As Golu dolls represent a divine There is no hard and fast rule for alive on the steps, while more creative Nair, P. (1997, October 3). Nine nights of excitement presence in the home, great care goes into arranging the dolls. Those that depict families may recreate a miniature park honour the Goddess . The Straits Times, p. 17. their upkeep and storage when not in use. deities are usually placed on the topmost or zoo complete with trees, plants and Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Raman, A.P., & Krishnan, S.V. (1983, October 7). Festival 17 A few days before the start of the festival, tiers: dolls representing , , animals. The displays are often decorated in honour of Goddess-Shakti. The Straits Times, p. 4. my mother would retrieve the dolls from , , , Siva, Vishnu, Durga, with twinkling fairy lights to create a fes- Retrieved from NewspaperSG. the storeroom and begin arranging them Lakshmi and Saraswati occupy this favoured tive atmosphere. 28 29 BIBLIOASIA OCT - DEC 2019 VOL. 15 ISSUE 03 FEATURE

recalls in her oral history interview with (Below) Relatives and friends of Usha Mohan viewing the Golu display in her home and singing devotional songs, 2019. Courtesy of Usha Mohan. the National Archives that a special drink HINAMATSURI: JAPAN’S DOLL made of yogurt and spices is offered to FESTIVAL (Bottom) The kalasam (left) is a silver or brass pot containing water, and decorated with a jasmine and Goddess Durga on the last day to quench rose garland. Its opening is covered with mango leaves and topped with a coconut. Traditional Thanjavur dolls (right) – representing a grandmother and a grandfather – are bobble-head dolls made of paper and the deity’s thirst and revive her after the Interestingly, the Hindu Golu festival 30 clay or plaster of Paris. Courtesy of Anasuya Soundararajan. tiring battle with the buffalo demon. mirrors a tradition in Japanese society It is believed that once you have that also centres on dolls. Hinamatsuri, begun the tradition of celebrating Golu, also known as “Dolls Day” or “Girls you cannot arbitrarily stop celebrating it. Day”, is celebrated annually in Japan Unless there is an event such as a death in on 3 March when families pray for the family, the display must continue every the happiness and wellbeing of their year uninterrupted. Even then, the tradition young daughters (usually up to age 10). cannot come to a complete stop, but takes Hinamatsuri originates from an place on a smaller scale, perhaps with just ancient custom called hina nagashi, a few dolls and only a single step.31 in which hina dolls made of straw are placed in a boat and sent down a Keeping the Tradition Alive river that eventually empties into the Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan and my mother, sea. This act has become a symbolic Mrs Komalavalee Soundararajan, who was gesture for warding off bad luck. interviewed by the National Archives in During the festival, the figurines 1991, believe that the doll display, daily of royal personages are arranged on as prayers and gathering of people usher many as seven hinadan, or platforms, a divine presence into the home and in Japanese households. Covered with bring with them a sense of fulfilment and red fabric, each step displays a set of happiness. Having practised the tradition decorative dolls called hina ningyo, for decades in Singapore, they hope to representing members of the impe- see women of the younger generation rial court. The size of the dolls and celebrate this festival in their own homes.32 the number of tiers vary, but usually A seven-tiered Hinamatsuri doll display, 2014. Placed right at the top are the emperor and the empress Darshna Mahadevan, who is in her late there are five to seven tiers. dolls. On the second tier are three court ladies, and on the third, five male musicians. The fourth tier 20s, has been putting up a Golu display in The topmost tier features dolls features two ministers, while the fifth holds three samurais to protect the emperor and the empress. A variety of miniature furniture, utensils and carriages is displayed on the sixth and seventh tiers. Retrieved her home since she married two years ago. representing the two most important from Wikimedia Commons. She is determined to continue the tradition members of the Japanese imperial started by her mother and grandmother, family – the emperor and the empress. and wishes that more young people would The second tier carries three court practice, these Japanese dolls are handed put away the dolls on the day after Hina- celebrate Golu in Singapore.33 ladies and the third supports five male down from one generation to the next, or matsuri. There is a superstitious belief Golu not only showcases the rich cul- musicians. The fourth tier features two bought by a girl’s parents or grandparents that families who delay keeping away ture and customs of Hindus, but it is also a ministers, while the fifth holds three for her first Hinamatsuri. the dolls will have trouble marrying off way for young people to be introduced to samurais who serve as protectors of On the day of the festival, girls wake their daughters when the time comes. the various deities and their significance the emperor and the empress. On the up early and put on their best kimono, eat in .34 Navaratri is also an occa- sixth and seventh tiers are displayed a hishimochi (diamond-shaped cakes) and sion to seek divine blessings and spiritual variety of miniature furniture, utensils drink shirozake, a type of sake made from REFERENCES Krishnan, J. (2016, October 4). A cultural connection: fulfilment. On a social level, Golu pro- and carriages. fermented rice. The emphasis on girls dur- Japanese Hina Matsuri and Navratri Kolu. India vides the chance to meet and engage in The hina ningyo dolls are made ing Hinamatsuri is similar to the Navaratri America Today. Retrieved from India America community fellowship, offering an of wood and decorated in tradi- Golu’s focus on women and womenhood. Today website. Nair, P. (1997, October 3). Nine nights of excitement opportunity for everyone to discover tional court dress of the Heian period Japanese families start preparing for honour the Goddess Devi. The Straits Times, p. 17. more about and reli- (794–1185). Similar to the Hindu Golu this festival around mid-February, and Retrieved from NewspaperSG. gious practices.35

5 Brahma, who is traditionally depicted with four faces 8 Author’s interview with Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan, 1 July 2019. 16 Devalla, R. (2015, October 21). Blend of tradition and no.: 001319/4/1]. Retrieved from National Archives of 29 Subramanian, 22 Sep 2017; Naaidu, P. (Interviewer). NOTES and four arms, is the creator god. Vishnu upholds and 9 Veshti is the traditional attire of South Indian men, consisting creativity.The Hindu. Retrieved from The Hindu website. Singapore website. (2018, March 21). Oral history interview with Vijayam 1 Rotti, J. (2017, September 25). Dasara doll festival – preserves creation; he is usually depicted as having of a floor-length piece of long white cloth wrapped around 17 Rotti, 25 Sep 2017; Author’s interview with Darshna 22 The saree or is a traditional attire for women of Balakrishna Sharma [Accession no.: 004262/3/1]. significance and history. Retrieved from Karnataka blue skin and four arms. Shiva is the destroyer god as the waist. See Chacko, B. (2017, September 28). It’s Navaratri, Mahadevan, 30 June 2019. South Asian descent. It is a long piece of fabric Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore website. website; Subramanian, A. (2017, September 22). Steps of he removes all evil from the world. Their consorts are time to bring Golu dolls home. The Indian Express. Retrieved 18 Srinivasan, 26 Sep 2011. draped around the body, which is worn together 30 Naaidu, P. (Interviewer). (2018, March 21). Oral history interview wonder. The Hindu. Retrieved from The Hindu website. Saraswati, Lakshmi and Parvati, respectively. Saraswati from Indian Express website. 19 Rodrigues, H. (2005). Women in the worship of the Great with a short fitted blouse called a choli and a with Vijayam Balakrishna Sharma [Accession no.: 004262/3/1]. 2 Author’s interviews with Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan is the goddess of knowledge, music, art, wisdom and 10 Chacko, 28 Sep 2017. Goddess. In A. Sharma (Ed.), (2005). Goddesses and long petticoat. Retrieved from National Archives of Singapore website. and Mrs Komalavalee Soundararajan and oral history learning. Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, fortune 11 Chacko, 28 Sep 2017. women in the Indic religious tradition(p. 72). Leiden, the 23 Srinivasan, 26 Sep 2011. 31 Bari, 25 Sep 2017. interviews of Mrs Vijayam Balakrishna Sharma and Mrs and prosperity. Parvati is the goddess of fertility, love, 12 Srinivasan, M. (2011, September 26). Doll them up. The Hindu. Netherlands: Brill. (Call no.: R 294.082 GOD) 24 Rotti, 25 Sep 2017. 32 Author’s interview with Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan, 1 July Komalavalee Soundararajan. beauty, marriage, children, devotion, divine strength Retrieved from The Hindu website; Subramanian, 22 Sep 2017. 20 Mangala. (1981, October 16). Navarathri. The Straits 25 Rotti, 25 Sep 2017. 2019; Supramaniam, R. (Interviewer). (1991, October 3 Shakti is a divine cosmic energy that represents feminine and power. 13 Nadadhur, S. (2018, October 18). Bommala Koluvu: A treasure Times, p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG. 26 Nair, P. (1997, October 3). Nine nights of excitement 17). Oral history interview with Komalavalee Soundara energy and the dynamic forces that flow through the 6 Goddess Durga is sometimes described as riding trove of stories, traditions and memories. Times of India. 21 Jagannathan, M. (2005). South Indian Hindu festivals and honour the Goddess Devi. The Straits Times, p. 17. Rajan (Mrs). [Accession no.: 001319/4/1]. Retrieved from universe. Shakti takes many forms and names, including on a . Retrieved from Times of India website; Rotti, 25 Sep 2017. traditions (p. 112). New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. (Call Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Bari, P. (2017, September National Archives of Singapore website. mother goddess, fierce warrior and the dark goddess of 7 Jagannathan, M. (2005). South Indian Hindu festivals and 14 Author’s interview with Mrs Lalitha Vaidyanathan, 1 July 2019. no.: R 294.536 MAI); The different ways of celebrating 25). Pune’s South Indian darbar of dolls in creative 33 Author’s interview with Darshna Mahadevan, 30 June 2019. destruction. She is also known as Parvati, Durga and . traditions (p. 111). New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. (Call 15 Rotti, 25 Sep 2017; Krishnan, J. (2016, October 4). A Navarathri. (1989, September 29). The Straits Times, assembly for Navratri. The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 34 Rotti, 25 Sep 2017. 4 Flood, G. (1996). An introduction to Hinduism (pp. 174–175, no.: R 294.536 MAI); The different ways of celebrating cultural connection: Japanese Hina Matsuri and Navratri p. 4. Retrieved from NewspaperSG; Supramaniam, R. from The Hindustan Times website. 35 Krishnan, S.V. (1988, October 21). Nine days in honour of 177–178). New York: Cambridge University Press. (Call no.: Navarathri. (1989, September 29). The Straits Times, p. 4. Kolu. India America Today. Retrieved from India America (Interviewer). (1991, October 17). Oral history interview 27 Also known as kumari puja. a brave goddess. The Straits Times, p. 9. Retrieved from R 294.5 FLO) Retrieved from NewspaperSG. Today website; Subramanian, 22 Sep 2017. with Komalavalee Soundara Rajan (Mrs) [Accession 28 The Straits Times, 3 Oct 1997, p. 17. NewspaperSG. 30 31