Kolu Tradition of Gujaratis

Durga Puja, an integral part of Navaratri celebrations, enjoys immense popularity in Bengal. Similarly, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Navaratri takes on a grand form with the elaborate display of dolls, meticulously arranged on stepped platforms. This captivating assembly of dolls, made from various materials and of varying sizes, in homes or temples is known as 'Kolu' (sometimes mis-pronounced as 'Golu'). Even in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Navaratri is celebrated with the exhibition of Kolu dolls. These dolls may encompass images of deities, representations of animals, humans, and even creatively depict various scenes.

While other regions of India observe Navaratri in different ways, the display of Kolu dolls is a unique tradition primarily associated with South India. In Gujarat, for instance, Navaratri is celebrated with great fervor through Goddess worship, but the practice of displaying dolls during this festival is not a common tradition. However, there is a subset of Gujaratis who have embraced this South Indian tradition, and this article sheds light on this interesting phenomenon.

The Gujarati community in Tamil Nadu has its own distinct history and customs. Kheda, a district near Ahmedabad in Gujarat, is home to the Khedawal Gujaratis, a Brahmin community. In the early 18th century CE, a group of Khedawal Gujaratis migrated to Tamil Nadu. The exact reasons for their migration and the precise year remain somewhat mysterious, as different versions and theories abound.

To this day, hundreds of families belonging to the Khedawal Gujarati community reside in various parts of Tamil Nadu. While they primarily speak Gujarati at home (albeit with a unique accent), they often learn Tamil as their second language in schools. Their cuisine, clothing, rituals, and other traditions have seamlessly blended with those of South India over their three centuries of residence in the region.

Intriguingly, the Khedawal Gujaratis, captivated by the Kolu tradition of Tamil Nadu, began adorning their homes with artificial steps and arranging dolls on them. However, they introduced a significant twist to the tradition. Instead of displaying the dolls during Navaratri, they established a new practice of having Kolu during Krishna Jayanti.

All Gujarati communities, both within and outside Gujarat, traditionally celebrate Janmashtami (Krishna Jayanti) with great fanfare. They adorn images of Lord Krishna, dress them beautifully, and decorate the divine cradle. The Khedawals took this tradition to new heights by assembling more dolls, creating a unique fusion of their own customs and South Indian Kolu.

Today, while very few Khedawal families continue the tradition of displaying Kolu dolls during Krishna Jayanti, others from this community have either embraced the Kolu tradition of Navaratri or abandoned it altogether.

Wishing you enriching experiences on your journey through these diverse traditions!

Happy travelling.