Pune: It's that time of the year when South Indian households transform into doll museums, with the annual golu display taking centre stage. But this tradition isn't just about dusting off the same old dolls year after year. Younger generations have begun to add their unique touch to inherited collections to turn the displays into an even more vibrant canvas of creativity and cultural expression.
Ramya Padmanaban, a dollmaker from Pune, has capitalised on this demand by turning Barbies into dolls fit for golu displays. "This year, our Navaratra-themed Barbies, clad in half-saris and holding haldi-kumkum trays, are a hit. It's all about giving these dolls an Indian makeover, from threading in black hair to customising their festive attire," she said, and added that her 80-year-old mother stitches the tiny doll outfits by hand.
Vishwanatha Sastrigal, who has set up a 24-step golu in his apartment in Rasta Peth, said the dolls in his family's collection have been accumulated over 20 years. "My wife and I travel to Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu to buy new dolls every year to add to our golu display. This year, we have bought miniature Ram and Laxman dolls as our theme for the golu is Ram Janam [the birth of Ram].
Out of a total 600 dolls in our collection, this year we have put 350 dolls on display," Vishwanatha said. But it's not just about amassing an army of dolls. Wakad resident Aparna Prem sees setting up the golu as a family affair.
"Our excitement doubles every year as we add .