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Day 1
The Welcome
Goddess Durga
Place the kalasam, set up the Kolu and perform the first pooja. The nine nights begin with courage and strength.
Neivedyam: Ven pongal
What is Kolu?
Nine Nights. Seven Steps. One Beautiful Story.
During Navaratri, South Indian homes come alive with Kolu — a stepped display of dolls that tells the story of creation itself. Each padi (step) carries a meaning: from the divine at the top to everyday life at the bottom, the whole universe is arranged in your living room.
Setting up a Kolu is easier than you think. This guide walks you through every step — and shows you exactly which dolls bring each padi to life.
The Heart of the Tradition
The Story of the 7 Steps
Tap each padi to discover its meaning — and the dolls that belong there.
Padi 7
The Divine
The topmost padi belongs to the supreme gods. The kalasam — a pot crowned with coconut and mango leaves — invites the goddess herself into your home.
Dolls for this step
- Kalasam
- Perumal & Thayar
- Shiva Family Set
- Murugan
Padi 6
Gods & Goddesses
The Dashavatharam, Lakshmi, Saraswati and Durga take this step — the divine forms that guide and protect every family.
Dolls for this step
- Dashavatharam Set
- Ashtalakshmi Set
- Saraswati
- Durga & Amman Idols
Padi 5
Saints & Gurus
Great souls who showed the path of devotion — the Alwars, Nayanmars and revered saints — watch over the steps below.
Dolls for this step
- Alwar Set
- Nayanmar Set
- Saints & Poets
- Arunagirinathar
Padi 4
Celebrations of Life
Weddings, festivals and processions — the joyous moments where the divine meets the human world.
Dolls for this step
- Kalyana (Wedding) Set
- Festival Procession
- Temple Scenes
Padi 3
Work & Daily Life
The beloved Chettiar and his wife with their little shop of grains and spices — a blessing for honest work and prosperity.
Dolls for this step
- Chettiar & Wife Set
- Market Scenes
- Village Craftsmen
Padi 2
Nature & Animals
Cows, elephants, parrots and peacocks — the living world that sustains us, arranged with love.
Dolls for this step
- Cow & Calf Sets
- Elephants
- Birds & Animals
- Kondapalli Toys
Padi 1
The World Below
The bottom padi belongs to Marapachi dolls and the scenes children build — where every Kolu story begins.
Dolls for this step
- Marapachi Dolls
- Village Scenes
- Parks & Playsets
Your Ritual, Simplified
How to Set Up Your Golu
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Choose your steps
Kolu always uses an odd number of padis — 3, 5, 7 or 9. Pick what fits your space; seven is the beloved classic.
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Build & drape the padi
Stack sturdy planks or a ready-made stand, then drape it in a single flowing cloth — traditionally white or cream — so the steps look carved from one piece.
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Place the kalasam on top
On the first day of Navaratri, set the kalasam at the very top and invite the goddess home. This step is done before any doll is placed.
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Arrange dolls by theme
Work from the top down: gods first, then saints, celebrations, daily life, animals, and Marapachi dolls at the base. Every doll faces the viewer.
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Light, flowers & rangoli
Frame your Kolu with diyas or fairy lights, fresh flowers and a kolam at its feet. Evening lamps bring the whole display alive.
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Perform the daily pooja
Each evening, light the lamp, offer a different sundal, sing a song or slokam, and let children and guests receive the blessing.
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Welcome your guests
Kolu is meant to be shared! Invite friends and neighbours, offer sundal and vethalai paaku (thamboolam) with a small return gift.
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The gentle farewell
On Vijayadashami, lay one doll down to 'sleep', thank the goddess, and pack your dolls with care — ready to tell the story again next year.
Nine Nights of Devotion
The Pooja, Day by Day
Three days each for Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati — here is how families celebrate each one.
Day 2
Strength Grows
Goddess Durga
Continue the morning and evening lamp. Read or tell one story of Devi to the children.
Neivedyam: Kondai kadalai sundal
Day 3
Durga's Blessing
Goddess Durga
The final Durga day — offer red flowers and pray for the removal of every obstacle.
Neivedyam: Karamani sundal
Day 4
Wealth Arrives
Goddess Lakshmi
The next three nights honour Lakshmi. Clean the entrance, draw a fresh kolam and light extra lamps.
Neivedyam: Pattani sundal
Day 5
Abundance Shared
Goddess Lakshmi
Invite guests for haldi-kumkum. Sharing sundal and thamboolam multiplies the blessing.
Neivedyam: Rajma sundal
Day 6
Gratitude Day
Goddess Lakshmi
Offer yellow flowers and count the year's blessings with the family before the lamp.
Neivedyam: Verkadalai sundal
Day 7
Knowledge Begins
Goddess Saraswati
The last three nights belong to Saraswati. Place books or instruments near the Kolu for her grace.
Neivedyam: Payatham sundal
Day 8
Ayudha Pooja
Goddess Saraswati
Honour the tools of your work and learning — clean them, mark them with kumkum, and rest them for a day.
Neivedyam: Sweet pongal
Day 9
Saraswati Pooja
Goddess Saraswati
The great day of learning. Worship books and instruments; children often begin their first letters on the next dawn — Vijayadashami.
Neivedyam: Chana sundal & payasam
Everything, In One Blessing
Bring Home the Complete 7-Step Golu
Our master-curated bundle covers every padi — kalasam to Marapachi — handcrafted, blessed and packed step-by-step with a printed setup & pooja guide.
Bundle price $799 (worth $999+) — you save $200
Navaratri is Coming!Order your Kolu early for guaranteed delivery before the festival.
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