By Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (MS)

Bantwal, Oct 8: Anyone would be captivated by the beautifully arranged dolls, illuminated under colourful lights. Along with depicting mythological stories, the dolls also reflect real-world scenarios.

This unique ‘Bombeloka’ (World of Dolls) has been created by a couple from Mysuru, now residing at B C Road, to celebrate the Navaratri festival. Nandakumar, who works as a PRO at KNR Construction Company, and his wife Pushpa Nandakumar are the creators of this enchanting display. For the past 16 years, the couple has worshipped the dolls annually, and this year marks the 17th with even more innovation.

Due to his transferable job, the Nandakumar couple has lived in Dakshina Kannada for the past five years. Two years ago, they resided in Uppinangady, and they now live in Kings Court Apartment at B C Road. Their collection of dolls is mesmerizing, featuring three sections: depictions of gods and goddesses, the Mysuru Dasara procession, and the three stages of a girl’s life.

Pushpa Nandakumar, explaining the detailed arrangement, says, “Our house deity is Krishna. We have displayed Vigna Nivaraka Ganapathi, the 10 avatars of Vishnu, the Saptamatrika, and scenes from Ramayana, including the coronation of Lord Rama. There are also dolls of Anjaneya, Venkataramana, Sridevi, Bhoodevi, Ashtalakshmi, Gauri, and Navadurga.

“Each day, we display a different avatar of Navadurga, and we also have a Mahishasura doll along with the scene of Chamundi slaying Mahisha. The traditional ‘Pattada Bombe’ made of red sandalwood are arranged as per custom, with dolls of Lakshmi and Saraswati beside them. There are also scenes of old marriage traditions and a cradle from ancient times. One can also see Lord Sri Krishna having a meal with various dishes. Musicians and singers are part of the display too,” she said.

She further adds, “This year’s Bombeloka is special because it showcases the different phases a girl goes through in her life, along with traditional dolls, under the theme 'Thottilininda Thottilinavarege' (from cradle to cradle). Another fascinating scene depicts a joint family mealtime, complete with dishes, a kitchen, fruits, vegetables, spices, and pulses.

“Watching the Mysuru Dasara procession is a feast for the eyes. As we are from Mysuru, we celebrate Navaratri with dolls, and the grandeur of the festival is represented in the display with elephants, camels, horses, vehicles, and the king seated on an elephant passing through Mysuru’s Sayyajirao Circle.

“We have tried to capture everything that happens during the 10 days of Navaratri through these dolls,” says Pushpa Nandakumar.

Nandakumar adds, “Due to the nature of my job, we move to various places, but we have never given up our tradition. This brings me immense joy.”