Mysore dolls enhances sprit of Dasara in Mangalore

The display of dolls in households during Dasara is a tradition that is being followed over the last 500 years.

The tradition was started during the reign of Vijayanagara dynasty and the practice is famously known as 'Bommai Kolu' or 'Bommala Koluvu' and is very popular in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and certain parts of Karnataka.

The members of 'Vipra Koota,' a Brahmin community who originally hail from old Mysore region but have migrated to DK district in search of jobs have put in all efforts to give Mangaloreans a slice of Mysore Dasara. As many as 800 dolls have been collected and exhibited in nine steps indicating Navaratri.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Nammavaru Sangha Organising Secretary M S Gururaj said that the association has been organising this show for the past five years and the overwhelming response from their audience is one reason that keeps them going on. The dolls are collected from the households of the association members and some have been purchased. “It took us two days to put up the expo,” he said and added that apart from the nine steps efforts have been put to recreate a depiction of 'Vaikunta' (the home of lord Vishnu).

The unique doll collection has 'Pattada Bombe' as its key piece. 'Pattada Bombe' is passed on to a girl during her wedding and it indicates the king and queen. The entire Mysore Dasara procession has been recreated with dolls of people, elephants, the royal family, soldiers and also a replica of the Mysore Palace.

Dashavathara, Krishna Leela, Ashta Lakshmi, replica of the Srirangapattana temple, representation of incidents from Ramayana and Mahabharatha, Chamundi hills, palanquin, village artisans, Kalinga Mardhana,' 'Krishna Rasa Leele,' 'Seetha Kalyana,' 'Narasimhavathara,' 'Garudavahana,' 'Gods and Goddess in Hindu tradition, traditional food and sweets, chariot of coastal region, 'gurji,' and various traditional professions like pottery, fishing, museum, pond, forest, and traditional games have been exhibited with the help of dolls. The exhibition also contains scenes from a farmer's life including working in the field, shanty and rural fairs.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Indian Overseas bank Senior Regional manager K Anil. The expo will be open till October 9.