Traditions and Rituals of India

In South India, few communities have the tradition of arranging ‘Dolls’ and women are invited over to accept ‘tambulam’.  This rich tradition is called ‘Bommala Koluvu’ in Telugu language and ‘Golu’ in Tamil language.  In some communities, this is done during ‘Diwali’ or ‘Sankranti’ festival for 3 days while it is done during 10 days Dussera Festival as in Tamilnadu.  This rich tradition like many others is difficult to comprehend, accept and see beyond the ritual, the actual spiritual quotient of this ritual.  Every tradition in India is based on some or other science which benefits both the practitioners and the society simultaneously.  Let us see few of the benefits of this ‘Dussera’ tradition/ritual.  You’ve already seen the photograph of this year’s ‘Bommala Koluvu’ or ‘Golu’.

Every ritual has reason, which benefit the performer and the society at large.

Personal benefit – In good old days, the women of the house generally created most of the dolls.  This would take most of the summer afternoons of the ladies of the house.  They would make dolls of various types with beads, wires, soaps, cardboards etc.  This would use most of the women’s thoughts, as they would try to outsmart each other. 

Their creative side is ignited.  Any person who creatively is engaged in any act or hobby automatically is livelier and that is anti-depressant.  So, depression was not the norm in good old days when people were engaged in such physically, emotionally, creatively and intellectually involved acts and rituals.

Their self-esteem was maintained when they were praised by one and all during ‘Golu’ when they displayed their artifacts. 

More happy and satisfied women meant, more happier families and that in turn meant happier society and the a happier society is the basis of a stable, growing and prosperous society.

…..contd…….