Visakhapatnam: The beloved tradition of Bommala Koluvu, which features intricate displays of dolls and figurines illustrating cultural and mythological tales during the Navratri festival, is experiencing a resurgence in Vizag.

As the festive season approaches, elders in the community are making a concerted effort to preserve this cherished custom and pass it on to younger generations. The arrangement typically consists of idols and dolls displayed in step-like horizontal arrays, ranging from 1 to over 15 steps. This tradition is prominently showcased during the Dasara festival and Sankranti across the southern states.

Organizing a Bommala Koluvu is viewed not only as an act of devotion but also as an opportunity to impart knowledge, entertain, and strengthen social bonds. This unique tradition plays a vital role in preserving cultural heritage while nurturing artistic talent, showcasing its enduring relevance even in today’s fast-paced world.

Padma Meenakshi, a curator of Bommala Koluvu, explains, “Bommala Koluvu is the artistic display of dolls by women during Navratri or Dasara in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and among certain communities in Kerala.” The dolls reflect the evolution of human society, starting with an assembly of God and Goddess Durga and culminating in representations of everyday life. 

“The doll assembly occurs just before the Mother Goddess embarks on her mission to defeat Mahishasura, the buffalo-headed demon,” she adds.

M. Nagamani, a resident of Visakhapatnam, fondly recalls her childhood dolls, each holding a unique story. She takes joy in passing these dolls to her granddaughter, who now features them in her own Bommala Koluvu. For Nagamani, imparting values and stories is far more meaningful than material possessions.

Her granddaughter, Narmada, shares, “Setting up a Bommala Koluvu requires patience and a good sense of color. It offers families and friends a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together.”

M. Kavitha Lakshmi, a government employee, notes, “I come home late from work and have little time for socializing, so I’ve been organizing Bommala Koluvu for the past 15 years. Friends, neighbors, and many children come to see my display. It’s a joyful way to spend these nine days with everyone around.”

Kavitha collects dolls and miniatures from local markets during her travels, adding to her collection each year. Padma Meenakshi explains that the number of steps in a Bommala Koluvu depends on the availability of dolls, with nine steps commonly representing the nine days of Navratri. Typically, odd numbers are used—1, 3, 5, 7, or 9.

There are no strict rules for arranging the dolls; the setup is flexible and often influenced by the variety of dolls available.

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