Hyderabad Celebrates Navratri with Vibrant Thematic Doll Displays

As the festive season approaches in Hyderabad, the city's markets are experiencing a surge in demand for thematic dolls, particularly among the Andhra and Tamil communities. According to sellers, prices have gone up by nearly 50% compared to last year, as families seek to expand their Navratri doll collections with sets that blend traditional and contemporary elements.

Traditionally, Navratri celebrations in these communities feature a 'Bommalu Koluvu' or 'Golu,' a stepped display of dolls and figurines. While the focus was once mainly on classic depictions of gods, goddesses, and mythological characters, in recent years, households have increasingly turned to thematic sets that showcase everyday life, professions, social events, and even current issues. From miniature vegetable vendors and doctors at work to scenes of classrooms, weddings, and village fairs, these dolls are transforming festive displays into vibrant narratives.

The rising prices have affected both traditional and thematic doll sets. Subramanian SK, a dolls seller in Secunderabad, explains that traditional collections like 'Dasavataram' and 'Ashtalakshmi,' which sold for around Rs 6,000 last year, are now priced close to Rs 10,000. Even smaller thematic sets, such as village scenes, have seen a jump, from about Rs 3,500 last year to nearly Rs 5,000 this season.