Navaratri 2026: Beyond the traditional kolu — Chennai’s kolu displays explore new themes
Chennai residents are evolving the traditional Navaratri Golu display tradition by incorporating modern themes, miniature worlds, and commercial installations. While families focus on creative storytelling, large organizations are attempting to set records with massive, opulent displays.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of cultural preservation and commercialization in modern Indian festive traditions.
Navaratri 2026: Beyond the traditional kolu — Chennai’s kolu displays explore new themes left https://th-i.thgim.com/public/life-and-style/food/i4x827/article71578551.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/K88A7235.JPG From miniature temple replicas and handcrafted food scenes to stories of village guardian deities, themed Golu displays in Chennai reflect months of planning, devotion and imagination, even as commercial installations compete to go bigger. Navratri often begins months before the nine-day festival, with hours spent researching, planning, and painstakingly creating themed kolu displays. Moving beyond the traditional arrangement of dolls on steps, these displays now showcase miniature worlds that bring temple architecture to life, spotlight lesser-known deities, and explore stories rooted in mythology. What’s new for this Navratri? My grandmother’s doll storyline 1 The annual kolu is not just a festive tradition, but has also become an expression of creativity, devotion and a passion for storytelling.
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