Saffron Diaries

Navaratri (Nava = nine, ratri = night), followed by Dussehra, is one of my favorite festivals of the year. I have many memories associated with it. Since my early teenage years, my mother and I would arrange a ‘Bommala Koluvu’ (Bommalu = dolls/idols, koluvu = arrangement) at home. Although it took almost a whole day to set up the steps and the idols/dolls, it was worth it. We would perform Pooja and other rituals in front of the Koluvu for all 10 days.

Note: Usually, in the culture that I come from, ‘Bommala Koluvu’ is observed during the festival of Sankranti but it can be observed during Navaratri and Deepavali, as well. My mother did this for both Sankranti and Navaratri.

Normally, people have the steps pre-built so that they don’t have to be arranged each for each festival it is used for. However, in our home, the steps were arranged differently. My mother did want to be restricted by the uniform size of the steps, which she would be if she had them built. She, instead, kept a few of our old furniture, like center tables, side tables and some cardboard boxes and used them specifically for the Bommala Koluvu. My mother and I would then cover the steps with a white or off-white cloth so the dolls would show up. We had almost 5 or 6 large moving boxes full of the dolls we would use to arrange on the steps. The set up of the steps and the white cloth would take most of our time. Arranging the dolls was the easy part.

What is the meaning behind this tradition?

The significance behind this tradition is that it pays homage to Goddess Mahishasura Mardhini (an avatar of Goddess Durga) who fought an epic battle against the demon, Mahishasura. It is Her victory that is celebrated during Navaratri. Another meaning behind the Bommala Koluvu is to tell multiple stories from South Indian mythology. It can range from scenes from Ramayan, Mahabharat, Srimad Bhagavatam and Krishna Leela. Some modern arrangements have specific themes like Sri Krishna Leela which focuses on stories ranging from Krishna’s birth to his marriages.

One of our family friends once did a Lord Ganesha themed Bommala Koluvu. In our home, we arrange a Vrindaavan on one side which shows all of Lord Krishna’s childhood. On the other side, we would arrange Kailasam (Lord Shiva’s abode) and in the middle we would arrange seven steps where each step would be dedicated to a Hindu God. For example, the first step would be for Goddess Durga and her avatars., the second step for Ashta Lakshmi (Ashta = 8), the third step for Lord Vishnu, and etc.

The best part of this tradition is that you can be as creative as you like. There are no rules on how the dolls should be arranged. And there are no restrictions as to what kind of idols and dolls you want to put in your Bommala Koluvu. You can even include some of your show pieces to make it look even more pretty!

Cultural Aspect

Bommala Koluvu is a great way to teach young children about our ancient culture, traditions, customs, mythology and the Puranas. It is also a creative of storytelling with live visuals. When dolls/idols are arranged this way, kids will be curious to learn more about each character and scenario being depicted. Plus, it also gives kids a chance to participate in the worship of Goddess Durga.

Social Significance

In the past, Hindu families were very orthodox which meant that women were did have the time to step out and catch up with friends. Moreover, some women were not permitted to leave the house as well.

The best part about Bommala Koluvu is that whoever is hosting invites friends, relatives, neighbors and so on. This is my favorite part because it meant that all our friends and relatives from all over California used to come over to our home and spend the whole night catching up with each other. This tradition ensures that friendships become stronger and helps women maintain their friendships since they can get caught up in their personal lives.

Economic Significance

India is an agricultural country where traditions like Bommala Koluvu and agriculture are related. Back in the day, the idols, dolls, and other items featured in a Bommala Koluvu were made with clay, wood, wax, glass, stone, etc. and were painted with natural paints. India is also home to many traditional handicrafts such as terracotta, Kondapalli, cloth dolls and more.

By purchasing these handcrafted items for Bommala Koluvu, the artists are encouraged to make more of them each season. All of the idols we have a home are made of clay, glass, and wood. We also have Kondapalli Bommalu (dolls) that have been passed down from my great grandmother. Another perk to purchasing these handcrafted, natural items is that they are eco-friendly!

Although arranging the dolls was tiring, catching up with friends, relatives and neighbors was made all the hard work worth it. Plus, there would a lot of leftover good food which we would eat for the next couple of days.

I hope you all enjoyed getting to more about this fun little tradition! Comment down below about a tradition you follow at your home for Navaratri!

Today is Shravana Krishna Ashtami, the eleventh day of Shravana masam (month). The month of Shravan is the fourth month in the Hindu calendar and falls in the western months of August and September. This month has a lot of spiritual significance and is considered auspicious for Hindus for many reasons.

Samudra Manthan

According to the Puranas (holy texts), it was during this month that the Devathas (Gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean in search of amrit (nectar). Although the churning of the ocean gave them the amrit, it also gave them poison. Because the Devathas did not know what to do with the poison, they went to Lord Shiva for help. Lor Shiva swallowed the poison and stored it in his throat which for which he got the name, Neelkant (blue throat). This is why Shravana masam is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Sola Somvaar Vrat

The Sola Somvaar Vrat is another reason why Shravana masam is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Those who want to do the Sola Somvaar Vrat (16 Mondays) usually start on the first Monday of Shravana masam and complete it on the last Monday Karthika masam. This vrat is mostly observed by unmarried women who want to be married to the man of their dreams. But married women can observe this vrat, too, for better health or fulfilment of their wishes. For this vrat, women fast all morning and afternoon and break it in the evening after doing pooja for Lord Shiva.

Mangala Gauri

The Mangala Gauri Vratham (pooja) is performed by married women for health, prosperity, and the long life of their husband. It is also performed for a happy married life. This vratham is only performed in Shravana masam on Tuesdays. After the pooja, a minimum of 5 married women are invited home for Haldi and Kumkum. The traditions for this pooja vary based on each family.

Varalakshmi Vratham

In South India, Varalakshmi Vratham (pooja) is performed by married women on the Friday before Poornima (full moon). Vara Maha Lakshmi or Varalakshmi is the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Women perform this pooja every year for the blessings of the Goddess on them, their husband, and children.

Raksha Bandhan

Raksha Bandhan is day that is celebrated all across India to honor the pure bond between brother and sister. On the day of Raksha Bandhan, the sister ties a rakhi on her brother’s wrist, the brother presents her with a gift, and they both promise to protect each other no matter what the circumstances.

Krishna Janmashtami

Allow me to introduce myself. I am The Saffron Muse. I am new to Tumblr and new to blogging so you must excuse me if there are any errors on my part.

A little bit about me...

I was born in the exquisite country of India but raised in the beautiful valleys of California. I have always found writing to be refreshing since I was a young girl and have been writing whenever I could about random thoughts in my journal. But I only recently I decided to combine my passion in Indian culture and religion with my writing.

I grew up in an orthodox Hindu family where we practiced many different traditions and rituals despite it being a little difficult living in the United States. Both of my parents worshipped God every day that my brother and I, eventually, learned and followed. They would tell us interesting and simple stories of the Ramayan and the Mahabharat instead of the common bedtime stories. These stories always kept me intrigued. As I grew older, I started to read books on the Gods/Goddesses, scriptures and other things that are important to practicing Hindus.

When my brother and I were in school, we would visit India for summer break as a family and travel within India to holy places like Tirupati, Shirdi, and Mathura. On the car drive to these cities, our grandparents would tell us about the stories behind the significance of the temples. Although standing in lines was exhausting and draining, in the end it was always worth it.

I still continue to learn as much as I can about Sanatana Dharma. I love to conduct my own research on certain rituals that our elders encourage us to participate in. Growing up, there were many incidents where my parents or grandparents had no idea when questioned about the significance of some rituals and customs. They just did what they were told to do. I did not want to be that way.

Currently, I live with my husband of two years. We both enjoy traveling, cooking and watching movies together. My husband observed that I am really passionate when it comes to learning about our culture (and other cultures too). He has been encouraging me to share my knowledge and interest with the world, but I had not felt good enough to do so. However, I told myself that it’s now or never. So, here I am!