Bommai Kolu – Dussera Dolls

The display of dolls in households during Dussera is a tradition that is being followed over the last 500 years. This tradition was started during the reign of Vijayanagara dynasty, and the practice is famously known as ‘Bommai Kolu’, ‘ Bommala Koluvu’ or ‘Dussera Gombe. The tradition is very popular in some of the families in parts of the Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Pattada Bombe
Pattada Bombe

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Vijaya Dashami – Victory of Good Over Evil

A terracotta work of Goddess Durga
Goddess Durga

The culminating day of the nine day long festivity is marked with the celebration of Vijaya Dashami  – the tenth day on which Goddess Maa (mother) Durga had her victory over the devil/demon. Celebrations take different forms in different parts of the country, ranging from worshiping the goddess Durga, to exhibiting colorful toys on the day of Bombe Habba in Karnataka (a glimpse of which you will see in the following post). Vijaya Dashami also sees the immersion of Durga deities, which are worshiped for nine days prior to Dussera.
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