From a mock Mysore Palace to mechanized versions of Paramapada Sopanam, an ancient Snakes and Ladders game with a philosophical bent, the festive season of Navaratri has a become a time when adults in New England use their homes to showcase their creative displays. 

Bomma Golu, a display of dolls is a tradition in South Indian homes during the Navaratri Season.  Many explanations are given for the tradition. It is a festive time of the year. It happens between the two harvests when the mud is being turned over and the excavated mud have been used to make dolls.  The Golu is also a great way to teach children about stories from the scriptures.  There is always an odd number of steps with the more animal and human activities displayed at the bottom and the Divine Images portrayed on the top.

While women often take the lead to arrange the Golu, the whole display often requires the help of the entire family especially for the more elaborate displays. Each year the passionate Golu person has a theme and works on the display accordingly. In New England homes, while some themes were based on the scriptures yet others paid tribute to Chandrayan. 

Growing up, at my home the Golu was a grand event with my father using technology to jazz it up. We would have water fountains in the front of the GajaLakshmi and lighting that made the whole Golu glitter. 

The Golu that has much fascinated me is always at the home of Dr. Anuradha Annasamy and her husband, Dr. Srinivasan. Dr. Srinivasan, a professor at MIT picks abstract philosophical themes and uses his technical brilliance to convey the subtle themes beautifully. This year he made a mechanized version of the ancient Snakes and Ladders game Paramapada Sopanam which shows you how to take the right path to get to moksha. 

Golu-hopping is a fun activity where you get to taste a variety of snacks and of course there is the apple that comes home with the little gifts that are given. It is a great opportunity for people to sing and one gets to hear wonderful music. 

Golu Weekend is always memorable - A weekend of good conversation, short visits, fun food and spectacular views of creativity. We eagerly look forward to what the next year brings!