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Photo: C.V. Subrahmanyam

All dolled up A ‘Bomma kolu’ display

However the winds of change have altered the festival and ushered in new trends and practises. If once personal invitations were the norm, phone calls, invitation cards, emails and e-cards are the norm now.

But that’s not all. ‘Bomma kolu,’ (an aesthetic arrangement of dolls) which is a highlight of the festival, was once a labour of love. With visitors streaming in to see the display, it was a matter of prestige to ensure that each kolu display was the best. And so, the women folk would spread dhotis or saris atop benches of various heights and arrange the dolls on those makeshift steps.

Now, readymade display areas are in the market, and for those who want to leave a mark, professional decorators are available.

The traditional kolu display of gods and goddess have given way to ‘Computer Ganesha,’ ‘Cricket Krishna,’ ‘Rockstar Ganesha’…New-age dolls too are displayed.

Actor Sukanya says: “We used to make models of park, village, airport, town et al at home as part of the kolu arrangement. These are, however, easily available in shops now. As time is at a premium today, many people opt for the readymade ones.”

Until a few years ago, the nine-day festival saw women and children visiting each others’ homes and singing devotional and Carnatic songs. Voice power, however, has given way to plug in mantras and music that echo in homes.

The traditional ragas are being transformed into fusion music, with the mantras, however, remaining intact. The dhandiya raas and garba dance music is also moving into the realm of cinematic, indipop, and remix of old songs. There is even disco dhandiya!

While once homemade sweets ruled, it is now packaged sweets that are served on disposable plates!

Kolams once painstakingly drawn in the courtyard are being replaced by stickers and traditional lamps with fairly lights. Gifts for visitors too have gone trendy.

Moving with the times, people often ensure that the gift has a utility and a purpose rather than the customary mirrors and combs of earlier times.

Traditional wear now sees modern outfits embellished with traditional motifs.

Says Lata Mahesh, a homemaker, “Like in any other Indian festival, Navatri too is being celebrated in a large way with elaborate gifts, new innovation in the dolls and adornments. However, one should take care to retain the essence and sanctity of the festival in the bid to simplify the elaborateness of the festival.”

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