Navratri kolu in Coimbatore: Doctor sets and dancing dolls take centre stage
Artisans in Coimbatore are showcasing creative clay and paper mache dolls for the upcoming Navratri kolu festival. The exhibition features traditional religious figures alongside modern, everyday scenes like tea shops and boxing matches.
Why it matters
It highlights the evolution of traditional cultural crafts and the economic contribution of local artisans in preserving heritage through innovation.
The stars of any kolu are the gods and goddesses. The best spots on the steps are reserved for Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati. But sharing space with them and holding their own, are human beings and animals. These dolls let artisans truly unleash their creative best. Poompuhar’s Kolu Exhibition 2026 is testament to this. Artisans from Coimbatore’s Selvapuram and Thanjavur have displayed their latest creations at the event, the highlight of which are snapshots from Tamil Nadu’s streets: think cotton candy sellers, vegetable and tea shops.
Boxer sets on display at Poompuhar, Coimbatore. | Photo Credit: SIVA SARAVANAN S
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