The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Colourful dolls herald the arrival of Navaratri

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Monday, Sep 01, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Colourful dolls herald the arrival of Navaratri

Special Correspondent

— Photo: S.Thanthoni

Vivid choice: The dolls on display at the exhibition at Kuralagam on Saturday.

CHENNAI: The dolls exhibition inaugurated on Saturday at Kuralagam in Parry’s Corner heralds the arrival of kolu, the traditional colourful display of clay dolls and figurines in homes during Navaratri.

At the Khadi Kraft’s showroom, thousands of dolls, made of clay and Papier Mache are on sale. Artisans said they had brought only a few of their productions for display, providing visitors a glimpse of their skill. “People will start buying only after Vinayaka Chathurthi. Sales will start picking up from September 5,” said artisan M. Jayapal.

Tamil Nadu Khadi Village Industries Minister K. Ramachandran inaugurated the exhibition. Dolls from across the State have been displayed. Each district has its own speciality. For instance, Thanjavur is well-known for its dancing dolls. Ceramic dolls are being made at Khadi Kraft’s workshops in various parts of the state. In places like Puducherry and Chidambaram, Papier Mache products are also being made in addition to clay dolls.

Artisans say that there has been a 35 to 50 per cent price rise in materials such as paint and other ingredients used to make dolls. With sprawling homes giving way to flats, artisans have had to reinvent. They have to make smaller items that require more effort and skill.

Among the new items on display are the Mamallapuram shore temple in Papier Mache, the Pradosha set and the Garudazhwar set.

Artisan S. Senthil of Puducherry has come up with a tableau depicting animals and rodents. The animals include elephant, giraffe, rabbit, tiger and fox that perform various works such as carrying bricks, mixing cement, building a wall and sieving sand.

A press release from Khadi Kraft said that last year Rs.68 lakh worth dolls were sold. This year, sale worth Rs.1 crore is expected.

Buyers will be offered gift coupons on purchases above Rs.1,000. Winners will be chosen by lot and prizes will be awarded, it added.

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