Chennai:
The sale of traditional Golu dolls has gathered momentum in Mylapore, one of Chennai’s heritage neighbourhoods, ahead of the Navaratri festival. Colourful dolls of various designs, displayed in rows along the Mada Streets surrounding the Kapaleeswarar Temple, have been attracting residents and devotees.
This year, the nine-day Navaratri festival will be celebrated from October 11 to 19. As part of the celebrations, people arrange Golu dolls in steps at their homes and offer prayers.
Every year, the Mada Streets in Mylapore turn into a bustling marketplace for Golu dolls during the Navaratri season. With just a few days left for the festival, temporary shops have been set up on both sides of the roads, displaying hundreds of dolls for sale.
To cater to buyers across different income groups, small dolls are available at prices starting from ₹100. The prices vary depending on the size, craftsmanship and quality of the dolls. Families visiting the Mada Streets are enthusiastically selecting their favourite dolls after bargaining with shopkeepers.
The area has taken on a festive atmosphere with the brisk sales. In addition to the Mada Streets, a special exhibition and sale of Navaratri Golu dolls is also under way at the popular Poompuhar showroom on Anna Salai in Chennai.
