The Navratri dolls are arranged in several tiers. Nine is the maximum
number of tiers in which these dolls can be arranged, depending on time
and space constraints.
Steps 1-3:
These steps are devoted to the Gods. So a number of different idols of various Gods are arranged here. The kumbham or the ceremonial jar for holy water, which is a conical vessel, is filled with fresh water. Covering the mouth of the vessel with a silk cloth, a coconut and mango leaves are placed on top of it. This is kept on the first level.
Steps 4-6:
The next three steps are devoted to demigods and saints, great men like Swami Vivekananda and other national leaders who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Steps 7:
Various sets such as the marriage set and the pongal set, which signify various human activities, are placed on the seventh step.
Steps 8:
The eighth step is devoted to various businesses and crafts, for eg. the Chettiar dolls (equivalent of Sethji)-a businessman and his wife are placed and their commodities like rice, pulses in cups and other utensils are kept in front of them.
Step 9:
The ninth step is the last step where the traditional wooden dolls called Marapachi are placed. These are male and female dolls that are dressed in colorful and shining clothes. Dolls of animals, birds, reptiles and other forms of evolution are also kept on this step.
On the 10th night after the ceremonial arti and prayers, the dolls are put to 'sleep'. And the next day, the exhibits are packed carefully in cloth or paper and preserved for use for the following year.
Arranging Navratri Kolu is also an event in itself. It means inviting neighbors, friends and other relatives to visit your home and view the Kolu decorated. Pleasantries and small gifts are exchanged amongst women. Women exchange coconuts, clothes and sweets amongst themselves. Sumangali (married) women also exchange bags containing a small mirror, turmeric, a comb and beetle leave with supari.
Steps 1-3:
These steps are devoted to the Gods. So a number of different idols of various Gods are arranged here. The kumbham or the ceremonial jar for holy water, which is a conical vessel, is filled with fresh water. Covering the mouth of the vessel with a silk cloth, a coconut and mango leaves are placed on top of it. This is kept on the first level.
Steps 4-6:
The next three steps are devoted to demigods and saints, great men like Swami Vivekananda and other national leaders who have sacrificed their lives for the country.
Steps 7:
Various sets such as the marriage set and the pongal set, which signify various human activities, are placed on the seventh step.
Steps 8:
The eighth step is devoted to various businesses and crafts, for eg. the Chettiar dolls (equivalent of Sethji)-a businessman and his wife are placed and their commodities like rice, pulses in cups and other utensils are kept in front of them.
Step 9:
The ninth step is the last step where the traditional wooden dolls called Marapachi are placed. These are male and female dolls that are dressed in colorful and shining clothes. Dolls of animals, birds, reptiles and other forms of evolution are also kept on this step.
On the 10th night after the ceremonial arti and prayers, the dolls are put to 'sleep'. And the next day, the exhibits are packed carefully in cloth or paper and preserved for use for the following year.
Arranging Navratri Kolu is also an event in itself. It means inviting neighbors, friends and other relatives to visit your home and view the Kolu decorated. Pleasantries and small gifts are exchanged amongst women. Women exchange coconuts, clothes and sweets amongst themselves. Sumangali (married) women also exchange bags containing a small mirror, turmeric, a comb and beetle leave with supari.
