Navaratri Kolu at Home

For the last three years, the focal point of our Navaratri Kolu has been Samhith's train set. Our entire decoration is arranged around the track, and o0ur tunnel last year was a huge hit with all the kids! It was no surprise therefore that Samhith wanted a tunnel this year too! With the idea of giving you all something different to look forward to, we have set up a village this year around the Kolu steps. Without more ado, let me invite you into our home for our kolu....

This is what you see as soon as you step in...

On the right is a small arrangement we couldnt find place for, anywhere else! This shows the 6 Krittika kanyas with babies in their hands - this relates to the story of Lord Muruga's birth. Story will come up later! Behind it is a beautiful tree which has come all the way from Germany! 

The sides of the steps are covered with Samhith's drawings from school...

Come, take a closer look at the steps... Here are the top two....
The top step has idols of Krishna and his friends breaking a pot of butter, followed by the Kalasam (a pot of water with mango leaves and a coconut placed at its mouth - in our house, this is symbolically represented by a decorated pot), and a set of marapacchi - wooden dolls representing couples.

The second step shows a Satyanarayana Puja in progress...

The third step has dolls showing a woman completing her Santoshi Mata Vrat, by feeding women and children... and the fourth step shows women performing Deepa puja or Vilakku puja (praying to a lamp)

The fifth step has an assortment of Ganesha figurines, most of them playing different instruments... while the sixth step shows a couple performing the Pongal or Sankranti Puja (on the right) in front of their house. On the left are idols of various gods.

The seventh step has another Marapacchi set as its central figure surrounded by a fruit shop with various fruits on display on the right and various decorative items on the left. And yes, that is a cycle behind! The bottom of the steps has a tunnel.. yes, for the train to come through!

Here is one view of the village arrangement....

and here is another....

Lets take a closer look.... Bottom right are fields with animals grazing, and small houses around. Most of these houses were made of paper...

Bottom left is a cricket game in progress... the fields and the cricket ground are separated by a row of palms.

Top left are more fields, a bigger house, a temple (made from a cardboard box), the road, and also a loading station...

The space between the road and the railway track have been occupied by vendors selling all sorts of things.. a small market... Take a closer look..

This is the latest addition to Samhith's Thomas the Tank Engine train set - Colin the Crane who works at the loading station!

and here is a tiny bicycle I made this year...

Right, centre is the other end of the tunnel, a view of the mountains, a small temple (made entirely out of blocks by Samhith), a well, a field ( a gift from Samhith's friend) and a windmill...

Here is a closer look at the field complete with a scarecrow! Kids these days are really creative, arent they? And you can also take a closer look at the well... the pulley actually has a bucket attached, and it works! 

And here is a closer look at Samhith's temple..

Right at the top, there is a farmhouse on the right, a giant wheel, another field (whole moong grown at home),

and another farmhouse made by Samhith with his blocks.

Here is a bit of detail.... a railway crossing! It took a bit of effort,  but the railway crossing actually works!

and finally, one last look at the village at floor level!

The kolu took us about a whole day to set up, after three full days of preparation, a week of serious thinking, and months of discussion! And all that effort seems to have paid off, thanks to so many people - apart from everyone at home, who pitched in, in their own ways, my aunt who shared her toys with us, Samhith's friends who helped us out, and everyone who gave us stuff which makes the entire scene look real! Thanks so much, everyone!