Silvester D’Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (MS)

Kundapur, Oct 10: The tradition of displaying dolls during Navaratri has spread to Kundapur over the past two years. This custom is followed by B M Chandrashekhara, a senior pharmacy officer, and his wife Sheela Chandrashekhara, residents of Prakriti at Vaderahobali in the city.

Aishwarya Avinav, the daughter-in-law of the Chandrashekharas, introduced the Gombe tradition, which is followed in her parents' home. The doll display has attracted local residents. Avinav B, an engineer by profession, and his wife Aishwarya P have been celebrating Navaratri in Kundapur since last year.

The dolls are arranged in a way that narrates mythological stories. The main attraction is the Pattada Gombe dolls, representing a king and queen. Aishwarya has designed the upper section as silver hills, featuring depictions of Shivaparvati, Shanmukha Ganapati, and Shivagana, resembling Kailasa. Ganapati is shown descending to earth during Ganesha Chaturthi. Other dolls depict Mysuru Dasara. The following rows are adorned with figures representing Dashavatara, Drona's Gurukula, Lord Krishna's childhood activities, key scenes from mythological stories, and married couples. In this way, hundreds of dolls tell various mythological stories.

In addition to the mythological dolls, there are figures depicting the rural lifestyle, creating a kind of mystical world. Collecting dolls is also a hobby for the couple. Aishwarya purchases dolls wherever she goes, including wooden dolls from Channapattana and Mysuru.

Venerating dolls is a religious practice and part of the celebration. There is a specific ritual for this, including pooja and Naivedya offerings for all nine days. Each day, a different variety of snacks is prepared as Naivedya. Children visit to see the dolls and become immersed in the mythological world as they gaze at them. Dolls naturally attract children, who are particularly fond of them.

Chandrashekhara and Sheela are thrilled that their daughter-in-law Aishwarya introduced this tradition. Chandrashekhara, well-known in social and religious circles in the area, mentioned that the entire community enjoys the celebration.

Although Aishwarya is an engineer by profession, she has a deep interest in religious traditions and enjoys celebrating Navaratri at her husband’s home. Her doll collection grows year after year.

Chandrashekhara, a senior pharmacy officer, is also active in the Rotary Club and other social organizations. He has two sons, Avinav and Amit, both engineers. Though they work in Bengaluru, they join their parents for festivals.