Hi anyone to keep Golu/Bommai/Bombe.. what do you use for golu steps Any tips regarding keeping golu is appreciated To recite on all 9-days of Navratri - DOWNLOAD - Navaratri Shlokas & Mantras
Hi @sumalynux This is my first time doing golu at my house, but my mom has been doing it for years in the US. The first year, she was using the brick fireplace for Golu, but after that she has expanded it to wooden planks from Lowe's/Home Depot. I found this blogpost with great details about setting one up. It's more detailed than I ever can be. Love & Lentil: How to build Navarathri Golu Steps I am still a bit new to the scene, and honestly don't have the space for the full effect. This year, I am using cardboard boxes (filled with books or something to keep their shape), and stacking them up as steps.
This is how usually its done [How to] Build your own 5 step Golu padi - [Step 1] Basic design & the measurements | Indian Woodworking,DIY,Arts,Crafts Blog Some of my friends have used cardboard boxes from u-haul / cinder blocks from Home Depot to custom create
I dont have much doll collection. Live in New Jersey. Also I have a toddler. So I am looking for more of temporary steps made with cardboard to keep in pooja mandir itself (closet converted to pooja mandir) And any info about what has to be kept in each step? Or any advice tips appreciated
Depends on family traditions. Some keep Kalasam for some marappaachi bommai (wooden dolls ) is important. Do u have the dolls available? For starters I got a dollset and went with whatever dolls I can find from Xmas tree shops or dollar store. NJ temples have them too. See if this helps Navratri Golu Ideas - How To Keep Golu / Kolu At Home | Chitra's Food Book
I do a pretty elaborate golu usually and since I collect new dolls every year on my India trips, wooden built planks don't work for me. Amazon delivery boxes are my thing. And any table/coffee table/desk that I can gather. I usually keep them and I have 5-7 steps. Cardboxes, you can get creative with them.
When I started I had exactly 3 dolls Now I struggle to even keep what i have and they come out each year on rotation. When boys were that age I had something like this at the entrance to the room which had the golu. Could never keep it in the living room. There are no rules but I typically have a theme for each step. The first few are usually gods/dashavatharam/Ashta lakshmi etc with Kalasam and marapachi in the middle. Then one step for just wooden dolls (kondapalli /channa patna toys). One step is all my MILs moms and my collection of brass dolls . Then one step for all the dolls we have collected over the years when we travel to diff places. (this is my fav step) The last step is usually for fake fruits /vegetables with chettiar mama mami taking care of the grocery shop Once ur toddler grows up u can set up a small garden/zoo on the side with soaked fenugreek/mustard seeds. Happy Golu keeping!
How about using one or two side-by-side Collapsible Risers made of wood or cardboard? Collapsible 5-Shelf Tray Display Stand, Portable Wooden Shelf, Craft Fair Display, Craft Fair Shelf, Wooden Cardboard Risers - 4 Step 3-Tier Display Shelf / Display Riser / Store Display / Shelf Riser / Collapsible / Counter Top Display/ Trade Show Craft Show Display / R001 For those who don't mind the originally intended use of the item, pet stairs are another option. Take out the top cover and use just the inside wood/plastic structure. Best Pet Supplies Foam Pet Stairs, Dark Brown Searching for Collapsible Trade Show Display Risers also showed some providers who are willing to make to order.
I like that Cardboard Steps that Rihana gives a link in #9. Light weight, and folds and stores flat until next year. However, golu needs odd number of steps. Moving a low coffee table to a room wall can add another step, i.e., 4+1.