I would like to kick off the festive season with this complete beginner’s guide on how to celebrate Navratri and how to keep Golu (Kolu) at home. When I first started setting up Golu, I leaned heavily on my mother-in-law’s authentic Tanjore and Salem traditions for golu steps i.e Golu padi with dolls arrangements. Over the years, this guide has become both a practical manual for beginners and my personal reference diary.
Navratri is a 9-night Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Shakti, followed by the tenth day celebrated as Vijayadasami / Dussehra.
- Days 1–3: Dedicated to Goddess Durga (Valor & Strength)
- Days 4–6: Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Wealth & Prosperity)
- Days 7–9: Dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi (Wisdom, Knowledge & Arts)
- Day 9: Celebrated as Saraswathi Pooja & Ayudha Pooja
- Day 10: Vijayadasami (Auspicious for Vidyarambham and new beginnings)
In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka (Bombe Habba), and Andhra Pradesh (Bommala Koluvu), Navratri is celebrated by displaying dolls and deities on stepped tiers (Golu Padi). Below, you will find everything you need to know: auspicious timings, item checklists, step-by-step tier arrangements (3, 5, 7, and 9 steps), DIY cardboard hacks, daily neivedyam ideas, and how to safely dismantle the Golu.
Table of Contents
- Navratri 2026 Dates & Kalasa Sthapanam Timings
- What is Golu
- Important Things Needed (Checklist)
- How to Make Golu Steps (Metal vs DIY Cardboard Setup)
- Step-by-Step Golu Doll Arrangement (3, 5, 7, and 9 Padi Guide)
- How to Prepare the Kalasam (Poorana Kumbham)
- Mulaipari & Miniature Theme Displays (Park, Pond, Chettiar Shop)
- Do’s and Don’ts During Navratri
- Daily Neivedyam & 9 Days Sundal Menu
- How to Dismantle Golu on Vijayadasami (Padi Irakkal)
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Navratri 2026 Dates & Kalasa Sthapanam Timings
(Timings referenced from Tamil Panchangam / Drik Panchang)
- Mahalaya Amavasya (Golu Padi Setup): Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Navratri Day 1 (Pratipada / Ghatasthapana): Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Saraswathi Pooja & Ayudha Pooja: Monday, October 19, 2026
- Vijayadasami (Dussehra): Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Auspicious Kalasa Sthapanam Timing:
Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Morning Muhurtham (Ghatasthapana): 06:25 AM – 10:15 AM
- Abhijit Muhurtham: 11:45 AM – 12:35 PM(Note: Always ensure you avoid Rahu Kalam and Yamagandam while placing the Kalasam.)
What is Golu & Its Spiritual Significance
In Tamil nadu, Navarathri is celebrated by keeping Golu in houses. “Golu” or “Kolu” means display. It is the symbolic presentation of the universe. It is the display of all idols and dolls representing major deities. Its a belief that Goddess Durga is present in our house in all these nine days and we treat her offering Sundal and sweets as neivedyam.
Some people go for fasting (Vrat) and they make no onion no garlic and strictly no non-veg recipes on all these days. Interested people can make Park, Zoo and some theme based golu set up too. I have shared some pics of park, artificial pond from my MIL’s golu.
Suppose if you are unable to keep kolu on all the nine days, you can keep it just for 3 days. Usually last set of 3 days would be fine as you can celebrate Saraswathi pooja along with golu setup. In General Navratri signifies,
- The Evolution of Life: Starting from inanimate beings, plants and animals at the bottom steps, moving to humans and saints in the middle and reaching the Supreme Divine at the apex.
- Divine Presence: It is believed that Goddess Durga resides in the home during these nine days, energizing the household.
- Social Bonding: Exchanging thamboolam (betel leaves, supari, turmeric, kumkum, gifts) fosters community harmony and honors female divinity.
Navarathri kolu decoration
Important Things Needed for Keeping Golu (Checklist)
- Golu Stand / Padi: Readymade wooden/metal stands, sturdy tables or DIY cardboard boxes. The total number of steps must always be an odd number (3, 5, 7, 9, or 11).
- Cloth for Steps: A clean white dhoti (Veshti) or silk/cotton sarees, secured with safety pins and binder clips.
- Kalasam / Poorana Kumbham: A brass, copper or silver sombu (pot) filled with raw rice or water, toor dal, turmeric root, betel nut, coins, 5 fresh mango leaves and a coconut.
- Behind Kalasam: A standing mirror (to reflect Devi’s presence).
- Sacred Dolls:
- Pair of Marapachi Dolls (wooden Raja-Rani couples).
- Main Deities: Vinayagar, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Dasavatharam set, Ashta Lakshmi set, Ramar Pattabhishekam, Krishna Leela sets, Kailasam set etc.
- Saints & Mahans: Ramana Maharshi, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Shirdi Sai Baba, Meera Bai, and Alwars/Nayanmars.
- Human & Occupational Figures: Pattanam Chettiar & Chettichi (grocer couple), marriage sets, village folk (Gramathu set).
- Animals & Birds: Elephants, cows, deer, birds, etc.
- Decoration & Lighting: Serial lights, brass lamps (Kuthuvilakku), flower garlands, and urli with floating candles and flowers. A backdrop screen with artifical flowers if you like.
- For Theme & Mulaipari: Sand/soil tray, mustard or ragi seeds, small fencing, miniature park toys.
Do’s and Don’ts During Navratri Golu
Do’s:
- Take a bath daily (preferably a head bath on Day 1 and Fridays) and wear clean clothes.
- Draw a fresh rice-flour kolam every morning in front of the Golu. My MIL draws wet rice flour kolam (Maa kolam) and it stays for 9 days. Some people also stick kolam stickers.
- Light deepams every morning and evening; offer fresh flowers.
- Prepare a fresh Neivedyam twice daily: light tiffin/rice varieties in the morning and sundal/sweets in the evening. For the past few years, I have been offering rice varieties for afternoon neivedyam.
- If you cannot make cooked offerings like sundal, offer dry fruits, raisins, bananas or rock candy (kalkandu).
- Perform Mangala Harathi every evening and chant the Lalitha Sahasranamam, Mahishasura Mardini Stotram or simple Devi slokas.
- Invite married ladies, elders and young children in the evening and honor them with Thamboolam and prasadam.
Don’ts:
- Do not lock the house and travel overnight while the Kalasam is installed.
- Do not cut nails or hair during the nine days.
- Do not stitch or mend clothes at home during this period.
- Avoid heavy cobweb dusting (otrai adithal) once the Golu is installed (gentle daily sweeping is recommended).
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic. (Skip onion, garlic in neivedyam recipes)
- Do not study or read textbooks on Saraswathi Pooja day (books should rest at the feet of the Goddess).
- Avoid anger and disharmony at home—maintain a joyful, welcoming ambience!
How to Make Golu Steps (Traditional Wooden vs DIY Cardboard Setup)
1. Traditional Wooden or Metal Stands
If you have a collapsible iron or wooden Golu stand, wipe it down, place it against an East or North-facing wall, and tightly wrap it using a clean white dhoti or silk saree. Please refer the image above for metal stand which we bought from Kadhi craft, Salem. This is a two in one stand which can be used as a shelf by adjusting the screws. But we found it difficult to assemble every time. So I bought a collapsible iron stand which is small in size with 5 steps for my MIL in Salem from Siva Sakthi Industries, Karur online.
In Bangalore, I bought a metal stand from Giri with 5 steps and used it for few years. We found it difficult to assemble and dismantle every year. So we gave it to my friend and last year in 2025, I bought a DIY Cardboard 5 steps Golu padi from Savitri Packs, Mysore as we shifted to a rented house. Next year we may buy a collapsible stand in metal or wooden. Do let me know in comments section if you are using any.
2. Modern DIY Cardboard Box Setup (Budget & Small Spaces)
If you live in an apartment or don’t have a traditional stand, you can easily build your own sturdy cardboard step setup: I used to do this for few years when I bought my own apartment. I have shared how we made a DIY Cardboard box setup for beginners. The image shown below is our Golu made with cardboard boxes.
- Collect heavy-duty double-ply delivery or appliance boxes of descending depths and uniform heights (e.g., 8–10 inches high).
- Stack the deepest box at the back against the wall, place medium-sized boxes in front of it, and shallow boxes in the front.
- Secure the boxes together using heavy packing tape to create a unified tiered structure.
- Drape your saree or dhoti smoothly over the boxes, tucking edges firmly underneath.
How to Prepare the Kalasam (Poorana Kumbham)
The Kalasam represents the living presence of the Goddess during Navratri.
Method 1: The Rice & Dal Kalasam (Recommended)
- Take a clean brass, copper, or silver sombu (pot). Apply turmeric and kumkum dots on all four sides.
- Fill the pot up to its neck with raw rice and toor dal. Drop a clean turmeric stick (virali manjal), one betel nut (pakku), and a coin inside.
- Why Rice is preferred: Since the Kalasam remains undisturbed for all 10 days, rice remains pure and does not spoil. It is later cooked as sweet pongal on Vijayadasami!
Method 2: Scented Water Kalasam
- Fill the pot with clean water, a few drops of Ganga jal, cardamom pods, edible camphor (pacha karpooram), cloves, and nutmeg powder.
- Place 5 fresh mango leaves along the brim facing upwards.
- Smear a coconut with turmeric, place it firmly over the leaves with its pointed tuft upright, and position a standing mirror behind it.
Mulaipari, Park, and Creative Golu Themes
1. Growing Mulaipari (Navadhanyam Sprouts)
- Three days prior to Navratri, wash and soak grains (fenugreek, ragi, green gram, or horse gram) overnight.
- Spread sand/soil into a shallow tray, scatter the seeds, and cover with a thin veil of soil.
- Sprinkle water daily (do not pour). By Day 1 of Navratri, vibrant green shoots will sprout. Place this tray at the base of the Golu.
2. DIY Theme Displays (Park, Village, Temple Street)
- Miniature Park / Zoo: Use green artificial grass or real mustard microgreens for lawns. Add tiny fences, toy animals, small wooden benches, and mini streetlights.
- Flower Pond: Place a wide brass Urli or shallow glass bowl filled with water in front of the steps. Float fresh marigolds, rose petals, and floating diyas.
How to Arrange Dolls on Golu Steps (3, 5, 7 & 9 Padi Guide)
Many people wonder which doll goes on which step. My mother-in-law always told me that the top 3 to 4 steps are reserved for the deities, while the lower steps are for saints, people, animals, and decorative scenes. It is just like showcasing life all around us moving closer to God! Check out our last year Navratri video for my latest Golu padi arrangements. In general,
Step 1 to 3: Kalasam and Primary Deities (Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Dashavataram)
Step 4 to 6: Avatars, Saints, Alwars, and Divine Epics (Ramayana, Krishna Leela)
Step 7 & 8: Human life, Marapachi dolls, Wedding sets, Chettiar dolls
Step 9: Flora, fauna, village life, and modern park themes
The Classic 5-Step Arrangement (Our Family Setup)
Three days before golu, you have to put Mulaipari as discussed above. Also check out my Navaratri Do’s and Don’ts before starting the Golu procedure.
On mahalaya amavasya day, Golu steps are to be set by covering with white dhothi cloth or silk saree ( No problem even if its an old saree, just wash and use it) and it has to be ready. U can use the readymade golu padi/Golu steps or use some old boxes, tables, chairs etc to make steps. But keep in mind, the munber of steps should be 3, 5, 7 or 9. Keep the golu steps in the corner of the house (facing East or North) by resting on the wall. Usually Golu is kept facing east.
You can arrange the dolls on amavasya day. Keep the kalasam on the same day or next day during paatimugam / Pradhamai time in an auspicious time of the day. Avoid Rahu kalam and Yamagandam. Remember if you have arranged all the dolls and kept the kalasam, you should start doing the pooja with neivedyam. Keeping Kalasam is more important. No matter even if you arrange all the dolls at any time, keep the kalasam at the right time and start the pooja. Please check drikpanchang.com or Tamil magazines like Kumudham Jothidam, Vaithikasri for exact timings for kalasa avaahanam as per your place. Some prefer to keep the kalasam on Amavasai day and some on Prathamai day. It depends on your family’s practice,
Step 1 (Top Step): Sacred Kalasam filled with rice or water in the center, flanked by Lord Vinayagar, Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswathi. Place a mirror directly behind the Kalasam. Alternately, you can keep the kalasam in the bottom of golu padi by placing it on a plank if you wish to do archanai and offer flowers everyday.
Step 2: Marapachi dolls (dressed in traditional silk veshti and saree) placed in the center, flanked by Dasavatharam or Vishnu avatars. Some people keep marapachi bommai in the 4th step as well. Arrange the other dieties like Vishnu, Shiva and Dasavathar set, Krishna set etc on the second and third steps. There is no hard and fast rule as to which deity goes where, but generally the top steps are reserved for deities, while the bottom steps are occupied by animal, human and inanimate statues.
Step 3: Other divine avatars: Shiva-Parvati family, Murugan set, Krishna leela, or Ashta Lakshmi set, Dasavathara set.
Step 4: Statues of revered saints, Gurus, and freedom fighters (e.g., Ramana Maharshi, Sri Raghavendra, Meera Bai, Swami Vivekananda). Also you can keep the statues of freedom fighters & world famous personalities. (We din’t have those idols. So we have kept meera with other idols).
Step 5 (Bottom Step): Chettiar & Chettichi bommai placed in the center. In front of them, arrange small brass/mud plates filled with rice, toor dal, dried red chillies, tamarind to mimic a grocery store. On the both sides of chettiar bommai, you can keep statues of other human beings, animals, birds and inanimate statues.
Expanded 7-Step and 9-Step Hierarchies
If you are setting up a grand 7 or 9-tier Golu, follow this authentic traditional arrangement:
| Tier / Padi | What to Place | Spiritual Significance |
| Step 1 (Top) | Kalasam (center) + Trimurti / Tridevi & Vinayagar | Supreme Almighty / Formless Source |
| Step 2 | Dasavatharam or Ashta Lakshmi Sets | Avatars & Preservers of Dharma |
| Step 3 | Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Shiva-Shakti Sets | Sacred Epics & Puranic Legends |
| Step 4 | Alwars, Nayanmars, Saints, and Sages (Adi Shankara, Ramanuja) | Spiritual Teachers & Gurus |
| Step 5 | Marapachi Bommai (Wooden Heritage Couple) & Wedding Sets | Ancestral Lineage & Grihastha Dharma |
| Step 6 | Social Leaders, Freedom Fighters, Village Life (Gramam) | Human Society & Noble Deeds |
| Step 7 | Pattanam Chettiar & Chettichi with grains/pulses | Commerce, Fair Trade & Prosperity |
| Step 8 | Animals, Wildlife, Birds, and Farm Creatures | Animal Kingdom & Nature’s Creation |
| Step 9 (Bottom) | Inanimate Objects, Plants, Mulaipari, DIY Miniature Themes | Base Creation & Living Earth |
After arranging all these dolls, draw a rangoli in front of the golu ( using rice flour & colour powders) and keep a big basin filled with water and decorated with flowers. On the sides of Golu, place two lamps( vilakku) and lit them. Keep the mulaipari in the side of golu or infront of it.
Tips for working women
The most important thing on all these nine days is once you keep the golu, you should not close the house without doing pooja for any reasons like travel etc. If you are a working women, do the pooja in the morning and evening after coming from the office. U should light the lamps in morning as well as evening and do pooja by offering some sweets and sundal. If you are unable to prepare prasadam, you can offer some fruits, nuts, sugar candy, dry grapes to God.
One of the most important ritual in Golu is exchanging thamboolam. U should invite young girls, ladies to see the golu and honour them by giving thamboolam and prasadam. People usually say that we should not sleep in the afternoon as we have to do pooja in the evening. Suppose if you sleep, its better to take bath before doing the pooja.
Reasons for offering Sundal during Navratri
On each day of Navratri, a sundal variety has to be done for prasadam. The scientific reason behind offering sundal is that during the months of September-october, people get easily tired and fell ill due to weather. So it is prescribed to have protein rich foods to rejuvenate ourselves. Another theory is that sundal is offered to appease Nava grahas i.e nine planets. What matters ultimately is that of all the dishes should be made from the nava-dhanyas during Navratri.
Daily Neivedyam: 9 Days Sundal Menu
Always start with a sweet and sundal on first day. You can make Sweet pongal /Sakkarai pongal Or Kesari along with any sundal variety. Some people make sweet sundal and spicy sundal versions. So its our choice. But a sweet dish is a must on first day. Then you can make any varieties based on your wish for the remaining days.
Offering sundal (legume stir-fry) is both a spiritual and seasonal health tradition. In the post-monsoon period (September–October), immune-boosting, protein-dense legumes (Nava Dhanyas) provide vital nourishment:
- Day 1 (Pratipada): Sweet Pongal or Kesari + White Chana Sundal (Kondakadalai)
- Day 2 (Dwitiya): Sweet Corn Sundal or Green Gram (Payatham Paruppu) Sundal
- Day 3 (Tritiya): Peanut / Groundnut (Verkadalai) Sundal
- Day 4 (Chaturthi): White Lobia (Karamani) Sundal
- Day 5 (Panchami): Brown Chickpea (Kala Chana) Sundal
- Day 6 (Shashthi): Green Peas (Pattani) Sundal
- Day 7 (Saptami): Red Lobia (Thattai Payaru) Sundal
- Day 8 (Ashtami): Rajma or Chickpea Sundal
- Day 9 (Navami): Moong Dal Sweet Sundal (Pasi Paruppu) + Kadalai Paruppu Sundal
👉 Check out my complete guide: Navratri Neivedyam Recipes – 9 Days Sundal Varieties Collection and my Navratri recipes playlist in my youtube channel for more recipes.
How to Dismantle Golu on Vijayadasami (Padi Irakkal)
- On Vijayadasami day, offer morning neivedyam and perform harathi.
- In the evening, perform a small pooja, offer fresh fruits or sundal and show Mangala Harathi to the Golu.
- Padi Irakkal (Putting dolls to rest): Move the Kalasam slightly toward the North. Gently lay one doll (or the Marapachi couple) flat on the step to formally mark the conclusion of that year’s Golu.
- If Vijayadasami falls on a Tuesday or Friday: do the formal moving (irakkal) after the morning pooja and pack the dolls the following day.
- Handling Kalasam Items:
- Rice & Toor Dal: Cook them into a delicious sweet pongal or sambar rice for your family.
- Coconut: Break and use for cooking prasadam or sweets.
- Coins: Keep them in your puja room or cash locker for prosperity.
- Water (if used): Sprinkle across all rooms and pour the rest into a Tulasi plant or trees.
- Packing: Carefully pack dolls individually wrapped in soft cotton cloth, newspaper and bubble wrap and store them securely in sturdy cartons for next year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which direction should Navratri Golu face?
Golu steps should ideally face East or North. Avoid facing the display toward the South.
2. Can we keep Golu for 3 or 5 days instead of 9 days?
Yes! If you are short on time or work full-time, you can set up Golu for just the last 3 days (commencing on Saptami or Durgashtami through Vijayadasami). This allows you to celebrate Saraswathi Pooja and Ayudha Pooja alongside the Golu setup.
3. What should be placed on the first step of Golu?
The top-most step is dedicated to the Supreme Divine. The sacred Kalasam (Poorana Kumbham) is placed in the center, flanked by Lord Ganesha and the Tridevi (Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswathi).
4. What do we do with the Mulaipari after Navratri?
You can snip the fresh green microgreens and use them in healthy cooking (poriyal or dal) or gently transplant them into outdoor garden pots.
“Disclaimer & Credit: The procedures, photos, and doll setups shared in this post reflect the customs practiced in our household and guidance passed down by our elders, supplemented with timing details from traditional panchangams. Customs may vary slightly across families and communities—please feel free to adapt them to match your own family traditions!”
nice detailed post.. Happy Navratri to you !
Good Work Chitra
gr8 job chitra!!!
Good job chitra
helpful fr beginers
Clear description and beautiful array of bommais.Wishing you a happy navaratri.
Super explanation sis.very helpful to all of us
Very helpful post for beginners, very nicely explained..
Very nice golu and useful post Chitra, I am a newbie with this, this is my third year of golu keeping, I learnt some good info from this post, thanks for sharing :)
Thanks Gita :)
Superb information ….Last three days golu can keep because i cant to handle all d nine days
Very nice compilation
Mam last three days means in which date we have to start golu 12 0r 13th October. Please tell me i had confusion. Thank you
Regards
Dhanalakshmi
Excellent work….
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Thanks a lot.was very helpful as I am planning to do for the first tome
Hai sister, this is the first time I'm gng to do. Thanks for Ur tips. Somebody saying that v should not sleep in the afternoon for these 9 days.Is it true?
Hello, usually people say this as we are doing neivedyam in the evening. So if u want to sleep u can take bath n then do the pooja☺
Hello sister!
An amazing… As this is first time, your postings are very helpful to me. After keeping golu i too post my arrangement. Thankyou. So much….
Thank you. Eager to see yours. Happy navaratri :)
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Nice informative post. I have a doubt..inkalasa mango leaves or any leaves dries within 2 days.. any alternative idea to keep them green nd fresh???
Hi how to keep leaves kept in kalasha green nd fresh for 9 days as it gets dry …
Hi, We are not supposed to remove the leaves from the pot.So no issues even they go dry.If you want,u can insert 2 leaves more after 2 days :) But do not change it till 9 days.
Some write water with manjal, little rice, coins etc in the kalasam. You have written rice and daal. Which is right?
Yes ,some people keep scented water with coins and rice.But we usually keep rice and dal & mix it with our groceries after 9 days.So it depends.It may vary as per the practice.Anything is fine.
hi.. thanks for the info… i will normally keep the kalasam at the bottom instead of the top of the steps. The reason for this is that i change the saree for the kalasam every 3 days.Also it is easier to do the prayer for the kalasam. Is there anything wrong by placing it at teh bottom step?
Hi,That's fine i guess.As u are wearing saree for kalasam & doing the pooja,please do it as per your convenience.Tradition & practice may vary :)
Liked your presentation.Very well written.GOD bless you & family a long & good health life
Regards
TSrinivasacari
HI Chitra,
its was really very informative , i did not know the process only thro ur article i got the info, that u for the elaborated information.
You are saying to keep red chillies…. is that right to chillies for Goddess? Pls. clarify.
The basic idea is to keep all the grocery items like rice,dal,tamarind,salt and chilli infront of chettiar doll.I am not sure about keeping chillies.Please don't keep it if u feel its inauspicious.
which direction golu should be facing ???is facing norh will do ? i am keeping it for first time yr post is very very useful can i arrange on 12 th night??
Hi Divya,Generally people keep golu facing east.North is also fine.Yes,u can arrange the dolls today night.Its good to arrange them on Amavasya night :) Thanks
superb its so useful
Hi, I am planning to keep kolu tomorrow. Can you tell me after what time it's good to keep? Is it ok to arrange after 5pm?
Hi, I am planning to keep kolu tomorrow. Can you tell me after what time it's good to keep? Is it ok to arrange after 5pm?
Hi, In the calender its given as 4.45-5.45pm as good time.So u can keep after 5 :)
Iam Priya. J. Namboodiri ,this is the first time I have seen ur sight very glad to say thanks y u know mam I have accepted u as my Guru pl guide me not only for Golu for all our traditions beauty, kitchen tips etc
Thanks &Regards
Priya J Namboodiri
Hello Priya,
Thanks for the sweet words. I have shared Pooja procedures for most of the south indian festivals. I will try to share kitchen tips as well.
Very useful for people like me doing for first time. Thanks sister. The time you mentioned is for India or USA. Can you mentione the eastern time for USA.
Thanks
Hi thanks.its Indian time. Please change it according to ur region. Iam sorry not sure :)
Please check the US timings in drik panchang website.
Thanks. U r doing a great job.
I have a doubt. I filled the kalasam with both water and rice after completing pooja I realised that for 9 days whether it will be good. Can I change that?
Thanks. U r doing a great job.
I have a doubt. I filled the kalasam with both water and rice after completing pooja I realised that for 9 days whether it will be good. Can I change that?
Hi, you should fill the kalasam with either rice, dal and coins or only with scented water adding spices. Do not add rice and water together. If using rice and dal, you can use it for making sweet pongal after the Navarathri. Hope this is clear. Thanks!
Thank u chitra ji for ur explanation about golu.I have a small doubt ma'am.I don't have golu padi,how can I arrange golu …please clarify my doubt chitra ji..
Thank u chitra ji for ur explanation about golu.I have a small doubt ma'am.I don't have golu padi,how can I arrange golu …please clarify my doubt chitra ji..
Yes, u can use boxes & arrange the steps :)
Can we keep Golu on last day of Navaratri? Just one day?
Iam not sure.But i think u can :).
I want to know the procedure to be done on 10th day.
Evening after aarti and prayer 1 doll is put to sleep, kalasam is moved towards north slightly.
I am putting the dolls whole night to sleep.
Morning I am packing the dolls.
I have filled kalasam with water, camphor and cardamom. What to do with this water.
Further, tomorrow is friday Can I pack the dolls tomorrow, putting them to sleep today. Please clarify me urgently because this is the first time I have kept kolu.
Hi Sheela,U are right.you should not pack the dolls on friday.Make the dolls sleep now.I guess u would have finished morning pooja.so that's enough.No need to wait till evening pooja OR as soon as u finish the pooja in the evening around 7pm,u can make the dolls sleep for an hour and remove,pack them tonite.I am also doing the same today :) I have updated this point in the post as well.Thanks for asking :)
Regarding kalasam water,sprinkle some water on ur family members and pour the remaining in thulasi plant pot or some trees.
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Really very useful people who are experienced please help us like posting such description and encourage us in starting
Thank you :)
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Lovely post thank u so much! tis yr is my 1st golu. can i use some of the golu dolls and the marapachi dolls for display in my home after navaratri golu is over?
Sure, you can keep it :) Thanks.
Hi Chitra…very helpful post….I am also planning to keep my first golu this year…wud you be able to tell me when we shud arrange the dolls..is it oct 1st or 2nd?Thanks for your help in advance…
You can arrange it on 1st itself :) Thanks.
Thanks Chitra:)
Hi Chitra Garu its really helpful can you please post Devi Navathrulu pooja Vidhanam like which need we need to worship which god along with prasadham for that Day.
Hi, Thank you. I will try to make a post on this topic too.
Hi , nice post for Navaratri…I started keeping Golu since last year. This is my second year and I have a concern on fasting. I am blessed with baby girl on 1st August 2016. She will be turning 3rd month by this weekend.please do clarify whether feeding mother can keep Golu and any concerns on fasting.
Hi, You can keep golu. No need to fast :)
Thank you so much Chitra :-) .
Hi chitra. Can I end my golu on 9 th September? Your information are really useful to me. This is my 2 nd year. Last year I follow your instructions. Thanks alot chitra!.
You should keep it till 10th i.e till Saraswati pooja. So you can make the dolls sleep on Saraswati pooja night and remove it the next day morning in good time. If you really want to remove it fast, remove the dolls on saraswathi pooja night itself after finishing the pooja.
post is very helpful. but there is some doubts
1."Its good to arrange them on Amavasya night" amavasya comes on 30th sep but you said "This year 2016,Navratri begins on Saturday i e. 1st October."
2."After these 9 days,on tenth day ie On vijayadasami" if we start on ist then vijayadasami comes on 11th day i.e 11th oct
thanks
Hello Vijayan, It would be good to arrange the dolls on Amavasya night as some poeple don't arrange the dolls on Pradhamain day.If you want, you can keep the kalasham on 1st october and start doing the pooja. Actual Navratri starts on Oct 1st.Some people start on 2nd too. Yes, this time its almost 11 days festival.So we should remove on 11th only.
thanks for u r replay.
Thanks for the detailed information Chitra , it was so helpful
Can i take the golu dolls on 11th morning since it is a Tuesday ?
Hi Chitra
Thanks for the detailed information it was very useful
Can i remove my golu dolls on 11th , since it is a Tuesday , can i remove it on Tuesday morning ?
Yes remove it tuesday morning.
Hi Chitra,
Very nice information. Thanks. I am keeping golu for the first time at my new house. So as per my understanding, I have to keep the steps and dolls on 30th sept or 2nd Oct evening after 6 pm?and make the doll sleep on 10th Oct night and remove n pack the dolls on the 11th Oct morning. But it contradicts the point, *we shouldn't remove the dolls on Friday and Tuesday. So should I make doll sleep after poojai on 10th evening and immediately pack them on 10th oct night itself?
Thanks for the time. Rgds, Subha
Hi,Usually we don't arrange the dolls on Prathamai. So Iam planning to arrange the dolls along with kalasam by 30th evening and start the pooja on the same day as per my MIL's advice. But actually Navratri starts on Oct 1st this year. So you can do the pooja from oct 1st evening. Arrange the dolls on 30th sep or 1st oct morning. No matter about the day we arrange the dolls, keeping the kalasham in the auspicious day and time is more important. So keep the kalasham on oct 1st at 6pm and do the pooja but not on 2nd. Make the dolls sleep on 10th night, if possible remove it on the same day else remove it next day morning after doing a simple pooja.Removing the dolls on Friday or tuesday evening is not considered auspicious.
Ok. Thanks for the reply.
Thanks for the clarification, i have not yet arranged the dolls, i will go the above plan
In calendar the pradhamai time is mentioned as follows, 1st oct from 5 :45 to 2nd oct 7:47. Is it ok keep kalasam on 1st oct after 6 pm ?
Exactly. Sure u can do it :)
Hi chaitra.
I am keeping golu for first time this year in my new house.can we start the golu on 3rd or 5th day of navarathri and is it compulsory to continue this ritual every year.
Please do answer
Thank you
You can keep for last 3 days.Its not compulsory to keep every year. Its based on ur wish.
Should we take gifts for the hostess? If yes what would you suggest?
Hi Chitra,
Should the guest bring gifts for hostess? If yes, what would you suggest?
Hi Lakshmi, Its not compulsory. If you wish, you can take some fruits, kumkum, turmeric even some dolls to offer God and to keep in Golu:)
Thanks for sharing.. Very useful one :-)
My iyer is persistent in keeping the kalsam in the last padi only
My iyer is persistent in keeping kalasam in the last padi. Can I go according to him
Hai Chitra,
I am keeping golu for first time this year in my house.I am so happy, & Now I know how can arrange this golu after i studying more information about this golu very useful for me. thanking you.
Usually it is kept in the topmost. If your vathiyaar says and if you follow him, please go ahead.
I am interested in starting GOLU for the first time, is there any procedures for that, our family do not have this practice..can I start this for the first time, Could you kindly advise, Thanks and Happy Navarthri….Vijayakumari Damodaran, Muscat
Hello Dhamu Vijaya, You can start it. Its basically one's own interest more than family practice. Please follow the directions and ideas I have shared in this post. You can start with 3 steps in the beginning then you can add more in the consecutive years. Keep Kalasham, do pooja in the morning & evening with some neivedyam like pongal, sundal, vada without onion, garlic for these 9 days. You can keep the golu just for last 3 days too. All the very best !
Thanks for your kind reply and advise…
Chitra,
Just to clarify, we do not put all dolls to sleep. To mark end of golu, we just lay down one of the dolls after neivedhyam and once that is done, we can take out the golu the next day or in the evening. I think some traditions you can follow whichever is convenient. This is especially for those with a lot of dolls in each step or if your golu has a lot of steps.
yes u are right. People who keep lots of dolls can't make everything to sleep. Its a gud idea to make one doll sleep and remove. Thanks for sharing. I will update this point in the post. I have mentioned my MIL's way :)
Hi chitra!
i just want to know about the coconut that we put on kalasam.
What we do with that coconut?
There is no details about regarding this.Just clarify me.
Thank you
Ambika Rathish
Hi, you can use it for cooking. I will add this point. thanks for pointing out :)
Thank you chitra!!!
Hi chitra!
nicely written about golu…
Pls tell me aboot the coconut kept on kalasam, what we do wth that? Can we use it for last puja? Or cooking? Kindly advise me…
Thanks
Ambika
This comment has been removed by the author.
Hi Ambika,
I have already replied to your previous comment. You can use it for making some sweets like burfi or ladoo OR use it in your regular cooking. Thanks!
Thank you fr ur reply !
Thanks for the detailed post, very informative. :)
Thanks :)
Thank you dear
Welcome :)
Hi Chitra,
Is it fine to keep the Golu in Varanda which is outside the entrance (Vasakal).
Thanks
Usually Golu is kept in living room or near pooja room. I don't think you can keep in varanda. Sorry
Thanks for clarifying
Hi Chitra!
I follow up the response given by you for the queries last I wrote to you.This time I need a clarification on from which day onwards we can start giving return gifts(sumangaly box/vattila Paaku) to sumangalies who attends the golu pooja or my house.Further I need clarification on one more issue which I would like to brought up during this conversation ie whether we can give return gift for kumaris/unmarried girls? Expecting for your quick reply as the pooja is underway.
Thank you!
Regards
Ambika
"HappyNavrathri"
Hello Ambika,
You can start to give from navratri first day itself i.e 21st to 29th sep 2017. You can give all the nine days during evenings. Yes, giving gifts to unmarries kumaris is auspicious. Young girls from age 2 to 10 is the best. No probs if they are teen aged or unmarried women. Hope its clear.
Thank you for your quick reply…
Navrathri wishes to you and your family!!!
🙏🙏🙏
What should we finally do that mulapari
Please anyone reply if you know about it. Thank you
Usually we put mulaipari with vendhayam/methi seeds. After golu, we remove the plant, sun dry it and use it as dried kasoori methi Or we can wash and chop the leaves, add to paratha or sambar,kootu in our regular cooking. Hope this helps.
Hi I have a doubt.. My mom was keeping golu but after few years we stopped.. Can we start keeping golu again??
Yes you can 😊
Hi chitra….im goin to start navathri golu for first time dis year….in case if im unable to do d pooja from first day….can i do it on last three days….since im a beginner n dont hv elders at home i want to clarify d same….& what do we have to do with mulapari….shud v keep it for nine days….how can v use ot after pooja…kindly reply….
Hi chitra..dis is d first time i hv planned to start navarathri golu….i dont hv elders at home,so in case if im unable to start on 1st day of navarathri!! Can i start on last 3days…since im a beginner i want to start properly…pls reply
What should v do with the mulapari after pooja…shud v keep it for 9days…
If you are putting methi seeds for mulapari, you can use that keerai in your cooking or transfer the leaves to a pot and grow.
Hi,
Am trying this out for the first time… u mentioned that the door should never be locked.. but i work, so i have to be out in the day 9-6…. any suggestions on this ? :(
Hi, you can keep the Golu even if you are working. But try to do the pooja twice a day (morning and evening by keeping some neivedyam) after coming from the office. "Door should not be locked" in the sense, avoid travelling to places by locking your house. Try to be at home during pooja time ". Hope it is clear.
ok sis :) Thank you… So this year when are u starting the preparation? like arranging golu, timings, etc…. can you share with me? (first time.. so)
Thank yu sis :) Am happy.. so when are you starting preparations, like arranging golu, timings etc?? please share it will be really useful
Hi Harshini, Usually we start Golu preparations like arranging the stand, decoration on amavasai evening. We arrange the dolls on the next day and keep the golu from that evening by doing kalasa poojai.
Hi, please check the link to know the exact timings for kalasa sthapanam. https://www.drikpanchang.com/navratri/shardiya-navratri-ghatasthapana.html
Ok :) thank you
This year 10th oct pradhamai timings is after 9.15 AM… Can we do kalasam pooja in Brahma muhurtham i.e, 5AM, or is it mandatory to do in pradhamai
Give the timings as per your place in the above link.
Thank you :)
Hi Chitra. Can I keep Golu for 7days?from 13th October till 19th?
Usually we keep on all the 9 days or last 3 days. So iam not sure of keeping for 7 days. Please consult a temple preist regarding this.sorry
" Suppose if the 10th day is Friday or tuesday, make the dolls sleep after 10th day morning neivedyam and make them sleep till afternoon."
so packing is done on friday after morning puja????
Yes you can pack in the afternoon before 6 pm.
ok :) Happy Navrathri
Hi mam. This is my first time. Completely dependent on your post only I am starting it :) thanks for the information and I have a doubt. As per your instructions we arranged the steps on amavasya day (oct 8). As I am from Pondicherry, as per the drikpanchang the auspicious time is Oct 10 from 6.03 to 7.25 am I guess. So can I keep the Kalasam by then?? Kindly can u check that for me and let me know??
Yes you are right. Do the pooja between 6 to 7.30 and keep the kalasam. So after keeping the kalasam, officially Golu is started :)
Excellent detailed inputs of each and every thing
Really admirable
Thank you 😊
Thank you for the information. I have kept golu, how can I send the photo?
Super. Please mail me at chitra.ganapathy@gmail.com
Hi…super post..can u pls tell me in which direction should we face to give thamboolam ?
Thank you. You can face east or north.
Hi Chitra, can I end my Golu on 18th. I want to finish on 9th day. I have some urgent work on 19th October . Please tell me the procedure .Please reply Chitra. Thank you
Yes you can remove it. Just do the evening naivedyam around 6 pm, take harathi and make the dolls sleep at 7pm. Remove it around 8pm. Hope its clear.
Thank you so much Chitra.
Hi mam my father expired 15july2020 this year kolu வைக்கலாமா my 4th year kolu this year.
Hi, yes you can keep. Unga husband side relatives ( unga mamanaar relatives)na vakka koodathu. As it is in your side, it doesn't count.
Hi ma'am Is it okay to keep kolu in the first three days and remove?
Hi Vaishnavi, Sorry we don't do that.
hello mam,how to take drishti for golu! can u pls elaborate?
Hi, take a plate with little water. Mix turmeric powder and kumkum to make it red in color. Keep a betel leaf in the center of plate and place a camphor in the middle. Light the camphor and show the harathi to Golu dolls by rotating it gently in clockwise direction for 3 times. If you know any mangala harathi song, you can sing and do it. Then carefully , take the plate to your house entrance and keep the betel leaf with burning camphor in the kolam. Pour the water around it. This is how I take harathi/drishti to Golu. Hope it is clear.
Hi Chitra,
This is my first year to start with gollu, can i keep kalasam on saturday as the first day falls saturday usually kalasams are kept in fridays and tuesdays know how about with regards to gollu can i start keeping kalasam on saturday as this is my first year. Please suggest and i am 7 months pregnant too let me know any do and donts i should follow during this time.
Hi Aparna, Sorry for the late reply. Yes, you can keep kalasam on Friday or Saturday. If you are keeping on Friday, keep kalasam in abhijit muhurtham time ( 12.25 pm to 12.30 pm) or during sukhra horai time (1.00pm to 1.30 pm) IST. Refer drik panchang website for the correct timings if you keep on Saturday based on your place. As you are in 7th month, do not strain too much. Keep someone for help. Otherwise, there is no specific do's and dont's for pregnant women. You can follow the same thing as mentioned in the post about do's and dont's. Hope it is clear :) All the best for your first Golu. May Goddess bless you with all happiness :)
Hi, yes you can keep in last 3 days
Hello mam,
I am an unmarried teenager. I was interested in keeping golu this year so followed your post as reference. But my father's brother(not own brother) passed away yesterday. can I keep the golu on the last 3 days? If so at what time and date should I place the kalasam? Can unmarried girls keep golu since my mother is not interested?
Thanks for sharing Chitra.Your clear explantion really helps. I started keeping after only a few years of marraige and used to always be confused about the traditional way, especially when to close goluu and how. This will be a great help for youngster away from home or without elders to guide them. We have a tradition of not keping kalasam. Maybe you can write about that too in the post.
இந்த ஆண்டு கும்பம் வைக்க நல்ல நேரம்
I am waiting for a magazine to see the timing. I will check and update here next week.
Kalasam vaika nalla neram this year
Kalasam aavaahanam time: 06/10/2021 evening 4pm to 5 pm.
Thank you so much for your blessings sir. You made my day :)
Good content
Hi mam last three days mesns in which daye we have to keep golu 12 or 13th October
Hi Dhanalakshmi, You have to start from 12th i.e during Moola nakshtram timing. Moola nakshatram is available till 4.20PM tomorrow. So you can keep it before that time. Do it in the afternoon avoiding rahu kalam and yama kandam. Keep it for 12th, 13th and 14th ( 3 days) and remove it on 15th morning after doing the pooja. Hope it is clear
Hi Chitra ji, at what time do we need to keep kalasam this time?
Hi, This year 2022, Navratri begins on Monday, 26th September and ends on 5th October, Wednesday. Kalasa avaahanam should be done on 26th morning between 6:11 AM to 7:51 AM
(Duration – 01 hour 40 Mins ) OR during Abhijit muhurtham time 11:48 AM to 12:36 PM
(Duration : 00 Hours 48 Mins).
Thank you so much ma'am..
I am planning to keep golu for shorter duration. Can I keep golu on Oct 1st, what time to keep? and invite friends on Oct 2, 3, 4? When to make dolls sleep and pack golu dolls? I may have to travel out of state on 6th or 7th Oct till 9th Oct.
Yes, you can keep on oct 1st in some auspicious time. Do the vijayadasami pooja the next day morning and make the dolls sleep around afternoon, remove before 6pm.
been looking into this lately and this breakdown is pretty solid