How to Arrange Navarathri Golu — Step-by-Step Guide
Navarathri Golu (also called Kolu or Bommai Golu) is the traditional South Indian display of dolls and figurines arranged on odd-numbered steps during the nine nights of Navarathri. If you're setting up your golu for the first time, or want to arrange it the traditional way, here's a simple step-by-step guide.
1. Choose the number of steps
Golu steps are always arranged in odd numbers — 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 steps — since odd numbers are considered auspicious. Most homes use 5, 7, or 9 steps depending on available space. A 5-step golu works well for apartments, while 9 and 11 steps are common in larger homes and are traditionally linked to the nine days of Navarathri itself.
2. Build a sturdy wooden step frame
The steps (padi) are usually made of wooden planks placed on a stand, covered with a plain white or cream cloth as a base. Make sure the frame is stable, since it will hold dolls of varying weight — clay and terracotta golu dolls in particular are heavier than paper mache ones.
3. Place deities on the topmost step
The top step is reserved for the family deity, followed by other gods and goddesses — Ganesha, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, and forms of Durga are commonly placed here. This is where the Marapachi bommai (the traditional wooden bride-and-groom pair, usually a gifted heirloom) is also placed if you have one.
4. Sages and gurus on the next step
Below the deities, place dolls of sages, saints, and gurus — figures like Adi Shankarar, Ramanujar, and other revered acharyas.
5. Mythological scenes in the middle steps
The middle steps are for scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Leela, and other Puranic stories. Sets like Krishna's birth, Rama's coronation, or Krishna's Uriyadi are traditionally placed here, along with other narrative doll sets.
6. Everyday life and cultural scenes below
The lower-middle steps are where golu becomes playful — village life scenes, marriage processions, musicians, dancers (like Bharatanatyam figures), and scenes of daily life such as a marketplace, a school, or a kitchen.
7. Nature, animals, and toys on the lowest steps
The final steps, closest to the floor, usually feature animals, birds, trees, and toys — cricket sets, carrom boards, and other playful additions that children enjoy. This step is often the most creative and changes every year.
8. Decorate and light up
Once the dolls are arranged, add a kolam (rangoli) in front of the steps, string lights or traditional lamps along the sides, and fresh flowers or garlands to complete the look. Many families also add a small mandapam or backdrop behind the top step.
9. Invite guests and exchange thamboolam
Golu is as much a social tradition as a religious one. Neighbors and friends are invited over the nine nights to view the golu, sing songs, and receive thamboolam — a small gift of betel leaves, areca nut, a fruit, and a token gift, given as a token of goodwill.
How many dolls do I need?
There's no fixed number — a 5-step golu can comfortably hold 25-40 dolls of varying sizes, while a 9-step golu can easily accommodate 60 or more. It's common to add a few new dolls each year and build the collection over time, so you don't need to buy everything at once.
What do golu dolls cost?
Golu doll pricing depends on size and material. Smaller clay and paper mache pieces (5"-8") are the most affordable way to start or expand a collection, while larger showpiece sets (11" and above) make a striking centerpiece for the top steps. Browse our Clay Dolls and Paper Mache Dolls collections, or jump straight to dolls under ₹1,500 or premium sets from ₹5,000.
Planning your golu for Navarathri 2026? See our Navarathri 2026 dates guide to know exactly when to start.