Come October and it is time to welcome one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar, Dasara aka Dusheera. Celebrated over a period of ten days, Dasara in many parts of south India like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is intrinsically associated with the display of dolls which is known as Gollu or Bommai Golu or Kolu. In Kannada it is called Bombe or Gombe Habba which means festival of dolls and in Telugu it is called Bommala Koluvu translating into court of toys. And if you are interested to view and buy specially crafted Dasara dolls, head over to Bombe Mane located in Nazrabad, in the heritage city of Mysore. The store is an initiative of the Ramsons Kala Pratishtana (RKP) which is a not for profit organization established over 50 years ago.
Extensive Collection
The store which has thousands of dolls also holds an annual sale during Navratri and this year is the 19th edition of the display cum sale. Dolls are available from all over India and are specially manufactured by the best of the artists. Materials range from wood to clay and doll clusters like Varanasi, Channapatna, Kinnal and Kondepalli make an appearance. From idols of Gods and Goddesses to animals, birds and human figurines as well as some quirky creations, you can find them all here.
A view of the dolls at Bombe Mane, Mysore
" data-orig-size="1600,900" sizes="(max-width: 663px) 100vw, 663px" aperture="aperture" />A view of the dolls at Bombe Mane, MysoreDesign of New Dolls
Each year new dolls are specially designed by the inhouse team of Bombe mane and are curated into the collection. While it was the peg dolls last year, this year it is the dolls depicting the Navarasa (nine emotions). The workmanship is impeccable and the attention to detail is indeed noteworthy. These dolls have been crafted in wood and capture the nine emotions perfectly!
Special Display
Each year, Bombe Mane creates a special display of dolls which is not for sale and is tied to a particular theme or occasion. This year the triple chariots of Lord Jagannatha, Balabhadra and Subhadra have been recreated in a manner that is totally magnificent. This display called “Jagadoddharaka” is indeed a treat for the eyes.
The second diorama represents the Navaavarana and is an ode to the number Nine – 9. Here dolls of Navadurga specially made in Kundapur near Mangalore, Navagraha, Navaratna, Navadhanya, Navabhakti and the newly created Navarasa dolls are displayed.
The third special display pays homage to Chatrapati Shivaji and has been created to mark the 350th coronation anniversary of the great warrior. It also commemorates the 525th birth anniversary of Meerabai. His chosen deity Goddess Tulaja Bhavani is also on display.
Details:
Bombe Mane: 91, 1 Floor, Above Aamrapali Sarees, Opp. Reliance Fresh, Near Mylari Hotel, Nazarbad Main Road, Mysuru, Karnataka 570010.
The doll emporium is located about 2 km from Devaraja Market.
NOTE: This post is NOT sponsored; opinions, as always, mine.
