Berhampur: A ritual of worshiping dolls and idols was performed by members of the Telugu community here during the Navratri festival which concluded on Dusshera Tuesday, a report said.
Known as ‘bommala koluvu’ across south India, the tradition is marked by the arrangement of idols and dolls. Identifying the dolls and idols as Durga, Saraswati and Lakshmi, rituals are performed in front of them.
Having the participation of all from children to elders, the custom unifies the community.
Moreover, it is celebrated at a time when the use of toys by children has been gradually declining.
The ritual begins on Mahalaya and concludes on Dusshera when the community members celebrate the arrival of Goddess Durga on this planet signifying the victory of good over evil.
The prime attraction of this ritual is the worship of a 100-year-old toy of Durga made of red-sandalwood and dressed up in beautiful attire.
Besides, toys made of wood, glass, porcelain clay, brass, ivory and plastic are also worshipped.
T Shyamaprasad, a member of the local Telugu community, said the puja ensures the blessings of the Mother and protects them from evil forces.
Besides, they derive immense satisfaction by performing the ritual during the period, he added.
During the celebrations, whoever visits their houses as guest is welcomed with betel leaves and betel nuts and is presented with various types of sweets, it was learnt.
According to the tradition, all the family members wake up early in the morning, take bath and perform their rituals with all sincerity and devotion.
The deities are offered fruits as ‘bhog’ in the morning while ‘khichidi’ and cakes are offered after ‘arati’ in the evening. The offering is later savoured by the family and guests. PNN
