Navrathri Golu – Rules for Arranging the Golu !!

In Tamilnadu, the Navrathri Golu Dolls are arranged in the Golu Steps (Golu Padi) that are either made up of steel or wood. The maximum number of tiers in which the Dolls can be arranged is 9. Due to space constraint, the number can be reduced to 7,5 or 3. (i.e) the number of Golu steps should always be an Odd Number.

The Number 9, typically represents the 9 steps to attain Moksha, or the 9 planets (Navagrahas) or in honor of 9 nights of the festival.

The Golu steps are always covered with white Dhoti and also by a bright saree based on one’s taste.

Counting the steps from the top, the First step is always dedicated to the Supreme God and Goddesses namely, Goddess Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga or Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva.

The 2^nd and the 3^rd steps would be occupied by the Dasavatharam and Ashtalakshmi and other incarnation sets.

The Kalasam, representation of creation, is placed within the first 3 steps. A pot made up of copper, brass or silver form the base of the Kalasam. It is filled with fresh water and it is covered with mango leaves at its mouth. The Coconut smeared with turmeric is placed over the mango leaves. It is said that the Kalasam is the form of Goddess and so it should not be removed or moved till the end of Navrathri.

4^th step is reserved for the enlightened souls like Azhvars, Nayanmars, Shankarachariyar, Raghavendrar, Siddhars and other Saints.

5th step is for those who have contributed to society. People like the freedom fighters, philosophers, philanthropists, composers etc., occupy this step. (Eg: Swamy Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Sangeetha Trimoorthies)

6th and 7th steps are for normal humans. A model of a village scene, farming scene, wedding scene, temple scene etc., is kept in this step.

In honor of the trader’s community, every Golu has a Chettiar and his wife along with bowls of salt, sugar, lentils, and rice. This is considered to be mandated in all the Golu.

Last 2 steps (8th and 9th steps) are dedicated to animals, birds, and insects that mark the forms of evolution. Another important doll to be placed in these steps is the Marapachi. Marapachi is the traditional wooden toy of a boy and a girl dressed up as a bride and a groom. Every Bommai Golu reserves a special place for the Marapachi dolls handed down over generations.