Navratri Golu Bommai is a centuries-old South Indian tradition of arranging dolls and brass idols on a series of steps (padi) during the nine nights of Navratri. The word "Golu" (also called "Kolu" or "Bommai Golu") refers to the festive display, and "Bommai" means doll in Tamil. Every household, temple, and community hall in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Kerala sets up a Golu with brass Lakshmi-Ganesh, brass Ram Darbar, brass Krishna, and brass Marapachi (married couple) sets as the centerpiece. Wholesale buyers can explore our festival collection at Aagam Brass catalog.
Golu is more than decoration - it is a living storytelling tradition. Families arrange dolls depicting marriages, processions, kitchens, temples, and even modern themes like parliament or cricket matches. The tradition is linked to the legend of King Sibi who offered his own flesh to save a dove, and to the story of Goddess Durga's nine nights. Devotees invite friends and family to view the Golu, and exchange betel leaves, fruits, and a brass thali of sundal. Read more on our Aagam blog.
Navratri Golu 2026 Dates and Kalasha Sthapana
Sharad Navratri 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Pratipada) and ends on Monday, 19 October 2026 (Ashwin Shukla Navami) or extends to Vijayadashami on Tuesday, 20 October. Golu installation is typically done on the first day (Day 1) and the display continues for all nine nights. Saraswati Puja is performed on Day 7 (17 October 2026), and the dolls are lovingly packed away on the day after Vijayadashami.
- Golu Start: Sunday, 11 October 2026
- Saraswati Puja Day: Saturday, 17 October 2026 (Day 7)
- Durga Puja / Saraswati Visarjan: Sunday, 18 October 2026
- Vijayadashami / Golu Packing: Tuesday, 20 October 2026
- Region: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala
Brass Idols and Bommai Sets for Navratri Golu
The traditional Golu is built around three core brass elements: brass Lakshmi-Ganesh pair (placed on top step), brass Ram Darbar or brass Shiv Parivar (placed in the centre), and brass Marapachi (married couple dolls) on either side. Modern Golus also include brass Krishna with Radha, brass Murugan, brass Saraswati, brass Annapurna, brass dancing dolls, and brass village scenes. The most popular sizes for home Golu are 4, 6, and 9 inches in polished or antique brass.
Step-by-Step Golu Padis (Display Steps)
A traditional Golu uses odd-numbered steps: 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 padis. The wooden or brass steps are draped with red or yellow cloth, and the lowest step carries the largest dolls. The top step houses the brass kalasha, brass Lakshmi-Ganesh, and the sacred darbha grass. Each step tells a story: kitchens on lower steps, marriage processions in the middle, and divine icons like brass Krishna and brass Ram Darbar on the top steps. Browse our catalog for brass Golu step sets, brass doll stands, and complete collections.
How to Arrange a Navratri Golu Step by Step
Begin by cleaning the puja room and laying a red or white cotton cloth. Place the brass or wooden Golu padis in odd numbers. On the top step, install a brass kalasha filled with rice, water, mango leaves, and a coconut. Place the brass Lakshmi-Ganesh pair beside the kalasha, with darbha grass and a brass deepam. The second step gets brass Ram Darbar or brass Shiv Parivar. Subsequent steps carry brass Marapachi dolls, brass Krishna-Radha, brass village scenes, brass temple models, and decorative themes. End with a brass oil lamp at the foot of the padis and a brass bell.
Golu Themes: Traditional, Modern, and Brass-Only
Traditional Golu themes include the dasavataram (ten incarnations of Vishnu) using brass idols, the Ramayana in brass dolls, the wedding of Meenakshi-Sundareshwar in brass, and the Chettiyar merchant's kitchen in miniature brass utensils. Modern Golu themes include the Indian parliament with brass figures, a cricket match, a school, an airport, or a hospital. Brass-only Golus are popular among temple groups and have a stunning metallic look when lit with brass deepams.
Navaratri Golu Hospitality: Sundal, Verasal, and Brass Thali
Golu viewing is incomplete without traditional hospitality. On each of the nine nights, the hostess serves sundal (chickpea or black chickpea sundal), verasal (seedai or murukku), fruits, betel leaves, and a brass thali of prasadam to visiting women. The brass thali contains the prasadam, a flower, a small brass Lakshmi, kumkum, and a coin. Women bless the household with tambulam and return the brass thali the next day with a fresh filling - a beautiful brass-celebrated cycle of friendship.
Brass Marapachi Couple: Symbol of Marital Bliss
The brass Marapachi (literally "wooden bride" in Tamil, but now widely cast in brass) is a pair of dolls representing the ideal married couple. They are placed on the top step of the Golu, dressed in silk, and given a small brass umbrella. Marapachi symbolizes fertility, marital harmony, and the continuation of family lineage. The brass Marapachi from our foundry is hand-polished, with detailed saris, jewelry, and facial expressions, making it the highlight of any Golu display.
Wholesale Brass Golu Idols and Bommai from Deshna Wholesale
Deshna Wholesale (aagambrass.com) is a major brass idol supplier from Khatauli, Uttar Pradesh, with deep connections to South Indian puja wholesalers, retail chains, temple stores, and export distributors. Our Navratri Golu collection includes brass Lakshmi-Ganesh pairs, brass Ram Darbar sets, brass Shiv Parivar, brass Krishna-Radha, brass Marapachi couples, brass dancing dolls, brass village scenes, brass kalashas, brass deepams, and brass bells. Bulk pricing starts at 50 kg and we ship worldwide with safe packaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When does Navratri Golu 2026 begin?
A: Navratri Golu 2026 begins on Sunday, 11 October 2026, on Ashwin Shukla Pratipada. The Golu is typically set up on Day 1 and continues for nine nights until Vijayadashami.
Q: How many steps are used in a Navratri Golu?
A: The traditional Golu uses odd-numbered steps: 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11 padis. Even numbers are avoided because the number of steps is considered sacred.
Q: Which brass idols are essential for a Golu?
A: The essential brass idols are Lakshmi-Ganesh (top step), Ram Darbar or Shiv Parivar (middle), Marapachi couples, and brass Krishna-Radha. Brass deepams and brass kalashas are also required.
Q: Can I reuse the brass Golu idols next year?
A: Yes, brass Golu idols are designed for annual reuse. Polish them gently before Navratri, store in a brass-friendly container with anti-tarnish strips, and they will last generations.
Q: What is served during Golu viewing?
A: Traditional sundal (chickpea or black chickpea), verasal (savouries like seedai and murukku), fruits, and prasadam on a brass thali are served to visiting women during Golu viewing.
Conclusion: Navratri Golu Bommai 2026 is a deeply cultural and devotional tradition that unites South Indian families during Sharad Navratri. Brass idols at every step of the Golu elevate the visual and spiritual beauty of the display. With thoughtful curation, a brass-only Golu can become a treasured family heirloom passed down through generations.
For bulk brass Golu idol orders, custom Bommai sets, and complete Navratri brass collection wholesale, please reach us at Contact Aagam Brass. Wishing you a joyful Navratri Golu 2026.