(…Contd.) The way the dolls were decorated also had/has a spiritual reason. It is a reminder of 'truths of life' and the 'purpose of life'.

For example, I'll explain this year's theme for you to understand this point. Usually, dolls are arranged in steps which are always 'odd' in number, i.e., no. of steps is 3,5,7,9,11,13, etc.

The steps are numbered from lowest to highest this year i.e., the lowest is the one and the highest is seven. The most basic requirement of existence is food, clothing, shelter and progeneration. The need to keep the cycle of creation going through reproduction is found in lowest forms of animals and fossils also. This is represented by all the dolls kept in the first step including the fossil.

This need is 'fanned' bye the entire creation. This is represented by two fans kept in that step. Man also does business for survival needs and for family. This form of existence is lowest form of expression of life. The need for survival is so strong that even the crow uses its resources to drink water from the half filled pot. This is nothing worth celebrating about or be proud of.

(to be contd...)