The festival of Navaratri is knocking at the door. It will be celebrated this year from October 15 – 24. In most South Indian households, during Navaratri and Dussehra, buying Bommai Golu or Kolu toys is a tradition. These dolls of deities are often passed down through generations. Many people add a new doll each year to their collection. Traditionally, Kolu dolls are made of clay. These traditions may differ from home to home, but the main theme of this tradition is storytelling through these dolls. In the Karadipakkam area of Tamil Nadu, workers have started making Kolu toys with full enthusiasm. They have shared their unique process of making these Kolu dolls with News18. Today, let’s take a detailed look at how Kolu toys are made in Karadipakkam.
A local toy manufacturer said that they make 30 types of Kolu toys, using paper pulp. He also shared the making process. According to him, first the mixture for making Kolu dolls is prepared. The mixture is made by adding gum powder, yam flour, maida, cement, paper pulp etc. It takes at least 5 days to make a basic Kolu doll.
There is a team of five people manufacturing and selling Kolu toys. He also said that this time, they are very happy because they have received more orders than the previous year.
He further said that various types of Kolu toys like Ayyappan, Lakshmi Narasimha, Yoga Narasimha, Andal, Rangamannar, Dakshanamurthy, Rama, Mahishasuramarthini, Krishna, and Bhairava are made here. Dolls made here are half a foot to two and a half feet in height. The price is fixed, according to the height of the statue.
According to the worker, the price of the Kolu dolls starts from Rs 300 to a maximum of Rs 2,500. These toys are also exported to many places like Mylapore, Chennai, and Bengaluru. In the end, he also said that those who want to buy Kolu toys can call 9585858470 and place their order.
Reports suggest Kolu dolls have a special significance among the people in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Devotees here believe that Kolu dolls depict the presence of God. The term Kolu comes from the Tamil word ‘Kolu Veetriruthal’, which means the presence of kings and queens in court. The term extends to describe the presence of gods and goddesses surrounded by their devotees and saints.
Few days ago, a handicraft showroom located in Tamil Nadu, Poompuhar, organised an annual exhibition of Kolu dolls, and they were sold at a 10 percent discount. This exhibition was inaugurated by Thanjavur’s District Collector, Deepak Jacob, on September 28.
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