Bommala Koluvu is a custom of arranging an array of dolls in elaborate themes representing various mythological stories,deities, regular village life and traditions such as marriage, public gatherings etc.Usually during Makar Sankranthi, the Telugu people celebrate this tradition with much fanfare
Every year a theme is formulated and the dolls are arranged as per the theme.The preparations begin months in advance to procure the relevant dolls.
The dolls used in the Koluvu primarily include Kondapalli toys, Clay dolls, Etikoppaka toys, Channapatna toys, Paper Mache dolls etc.
Usually people purchase the toy sets but this year our family made each and every doll set from scratch using cardboard, foam board, thermocol, crepe paper, foam paper etc. The theme for this year is to showcase village atmosphere and rustic rituals, celebrations during Sankranthi,
Some of the dolls have been made using clay and others have been accessorised in Indian clothing, jewellery.
The dresses of the dolls like half sarees, dhotis, turbans have been made from cutting blouse fabrics as per required measurements and attatching lace borders.
Black wool is used in the form of hair for the dolls to give them an Indian traditional look.
The mini jewellery sets that you get for Bal Gopal in the market have been dismantled and created into jewellery pieces of our requirement like maang tika, necklases, studs, waist belt,bangles etc.
Due to the fast paced life and emergence of nuclear families, unfortunately Bommala Koluvu has become a fading tradition..
I hope more youngsters actively participate in such rituals instead of looking at festivals as just week-long vacations.Growing up, I saw my maternal grandmother Mrs Syamala celebrate this festival with a lot of passion and grandeur and I strive to keep her legacy alive.
