By The Hindu Bureau
Copyright thehindu
Every year, as Navaratri approaches, streets in Vadiveeswaram, a bustling locality, transform into a vibrant hub for golu doll shopping. On both sides of the road, rows of colourful stalls spring up, offering everything from timeless traditional figurines to modern artistic creations. The site itself is a festive prelude inciting families, art lovers and onlookers.
Traders from Madurai, Dindigul and other parts of the district arrive in advance, setting up stalls that showcase an array of dolls crafted from clay, terracotta and wood. While the styles may evolve with time, the sentiments remain unchanged.
During the navaratri days, families meticulously arrange these dolls in stepped displays in homes, temples and workplaces, always beginning on auspicious odd-numbered days like the first, third, seventh. And, year after year buying at least one new doll has become a cherished tradition, sustaining the livelihoods of countless artisans and traders.
Many traders move into Vadiveeswaram nearly two months before navaratri, renting storage spaces for their stock. By a month ahead of celebration, the street becomes alive with sales.
Gopalakrishnan, a resident of Karuppayurani in Madurai district has been setting up a stall at Vadiveesawaram for the past 30 years. “This year we have around 110 types of sets on display apart from individual dolls, and they are moving fast,” he added.
His collection is sourced from Cuddalore and Dindigul. “No matter how modern life becomes, people still hold on to their traditions. The continued demand for golu dolls is living proof of that,” Mr. Gopalakrishnan noted.
Bhuvaneshvari, another vendor from Krishnancoil , revealed the meticulous planning that goes into the trade. “We usually place our orders almost 10 months in advance, sourcing dolls from Madurai, Mayavaram, Thanjavur and more. Traditional sets like Dasavatharam and Ashtalakshmi are always best sellers. But this ‘Ravana Durbar’ set is drawing a lot of attention,” she added.
“People are increasingly preferring dolls from Kolkata for their unique pattern and lightweight design,” Ms. Bhuvaneshwari pointed.
Maheshwari, a resident of Kottar, noted that she has been purchasing golu dolls from the locality for the past 15 years. “Whatver advancements come into our life, be it AI or technology, some old world joys can never be replaced,” she said.
