Dasara Bombe Party - Episode 1!

Happy Navaratri all!! 

Here’s unfolding Episode 1 of the joyous Dasara Bombe Party!

Thank you all for sending in your pictures and heart felt Dasara Bombe stories to Aalayam. Your pictures and stories are making our Dasara Bombe Habba rich, layered and textured.

And we are blown away by your enthusiasm, zest and passion! Your pictures and stories are reinforcing our belief that we are doing good, to keep up the age-old, but well-worn traditions in these modern times, to suit our convenience, and to fuel our creative energies!

It's so exciting to see various affectionate renderings of the well-loved bombes, and the stories surrounding each picture!! 

Without much ado, I present to the Aalayam family, your Bombe pictures and stories!

Shyla Kodi - Image 1

Shyla Kodi 

Coming from Karnataka, "Mysooru Jumboo Savari"(Dasara procession) is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Navaraathri. 

Dasara is considered as "Naada Habba" (state festival), which symbolizes the tradition and rich cultural history of the state and Jumboo Savari is a glimpse of that.  

I was thrilled when I found these beautiful, hand painted dolls and decided to display them as main theme for our first gombe habba, home away from home.

Shyla Kodi - Image 2

Soumya Balasubramani 

Navrathri on our home is a season of abundance - of festivity, dolls, dance and of course delicacies. 

I love the whole creative process: setting up, unwrapping the dolls that have been tucked away safely for a whole year, sharing stories about them with my son as we set up and having friends over to share our culture with them. 

Soumya Balasubramani - Image 1

We have been fortunate enough to inherit some dolls that are more than 35 years old from my husband's home as well as mine. We grew up seeing some of these dolls in our golu and it is nostalgic to be able to share them with generation next now. 

Soumya Balasubramani - Image 2

For me it is extremely important to make children feel like they are a part of the process and this year's 'Houston' -complete with NASA, the never ending construction and the Houston zoo by my son is an attempt at that.

Soumya Balasubramani - Image 3

Over the years we have also had friends from different parts of the world give us dolls to add to our collection and it has been wonderful to see our golu grow from Indian to global.

Happy Navrathri to all!

Soumya Balasubramani - Image 4

Gowri - Image 1

Gowri Vikram

Dasara doll festival is celebrated during Navaratri. I want to talk about my Pattada Gombe.

These are a pair of Rosewood dolls which I have dressed very colorfully using paper, silk and sequence material. These dolls are always dressed in traditional attire. Pattada Gombe depicts Lord Narayana and Goddess Lakshmi who take the form of King and Queen (Husband and Wife) and take part in Dasara festivities. 

These Pattada Gombes are the main dolls , and are given special importance in Bombe Habba. These dolls were handed over to me during my wedding by my parents to continue with the tradition of our Bombe Habba.

Suparna - Image 1

Suparna Rao 

My mother has always loved this unique festival of Bombe Habba and this has always been a time of fanfare, enthusiasm and fond memories for me. And over the years, while I have always enjoyed every bit of the process, from the careful unpacking to the loving display, I think Navaratri has taken on a whole new meaning with the arrival of my daughter.

She has inherited my mother's love for the dolls and together, they have spent many a happy hour planning themes and arranging the display. It's so heartening for me to see my mom's happiness at seeing her enthusiasm reflected in her granddaughter's eyes.

We try to add to the collection every year. And there are some old favorites that make an unfailing appearance. But, regardless of what dolls grace our house each year, I am most thankful and blessed for the precious memories being made and bonds that are being strengthened each time October rolls around.

Sridevi - Image 1

Sridevi 

Happy Dasara.

A combination of Music and Yoga is the answer to a blissful life!

Suman - Image 1

Suman

This Golu was special because it was the very 1st Golu we kept in 1998, when my kids were 6 and 4. 

The kids actually decorated the bottom 2 steps. Years later the tradition continues with bigger and grander displays, but the 1st is always the most special.

Amazing right? Poignant, Picturesque and Perfect!! 

This community Dasara celebration is not over yet! 

Just when you thought you had the best time browsing through the images shared by the bombe aficionados around the world, you are in for  more treats in the upcoming  

Dasara Bombe Party - Episode 2 (this episode includes pictures from Deepa and my Bombe display!!) 

Stay tuned!

Love,

Supriya

Dasara Bombe Habba - Lots of color and a little bit of kitsch!

Dasara inspirations from Deepa's Home

Alright, I am back with more from our Dasara inspiration station. Dear Aalayam readers, whether you chose to let your hair down and get your groove on to the Raas Garbha or chose to set the stage for an eye catching doll display (golu, bommai koluvu, bombe habba) we hope that your Dussehra festivities have gained momentum by now and that you are having a lot of fun as Vijayadashami draws closer.

It’s Navrathri and we pay obeisance to the Divine mother, the indomitable Shakti and venerate the triumph of good over evil in our distinctive ways and resultantly honor mythology, religion and culture.  Previously, we have talked about the role that religion and culture play in helping us embrace our roots.  Ethnic celebrations bring a sense of home.  For those of us who are away from home, we are fondly reminded of the festive fervor in our colorful bazaars and we recollect the festivities with a nostalgic sigh. And so, we give in to the Desi ethos of celebratory gaiety and try to recreate that festive magic at home, wherever home may be.

For me, the doll festival is not an inherited ritual. My parents’ version of Dasara celebrations included Laxmi and Saraswati puja- a simple worshipping of the different feminine embodiments of the Divine but did not include the doll festival. I started the bombe Habba (doll festival) in my married home fairly recently (last year actually – remember this?). 

So, I am still a novice trying to piece together the ins and outs. You can trace the tradition back to diverse legends and customs and I  (thanks to the internet, my mom, aunts and friends) have adapted a version that is fun and convenient!  Why did I decide to make the bombe habba a part of our Dasara tradition? I turn to celebrations as a way of igniting my 11 year old's curiosity about a culture that he is so far removed from and aspire to help him appreciate the beauty and diversity in both cultures. I want him to be able to draw from his own childhood memories as he goes about defining who he is. I guess for most parents like ourselves, who are raising kids in a bi-cultural environment the goal is to have our kids develop an appreciation for their heritage and symbolism as their bicultural identities are shaping up. Festivals are a great way to enable this reconciliation.

 I also love to customize our festivals/holidays and I do this by tapping into the artist in me. I enjoy turning our celebration into a unique combination of cultural antecedents and artistic expression and create an experience we as a family can remember years from now!

So, without much further ado I welcome you all to our Bombe Habba /doll display! Our display this year has lots of color and a little bit of kitsch with spatterings of folk influences!

 I moved it to our study this year and used the same étagère to display my dolls. By simply moving it to another location and using a different wall color as the backdrop – the display already looks different!

You can view pictures from last year’s display here.

Allow me to highlight a few things in our display-

Custom works of art - Took a life of their own as our display came to life! A couple of handcrafted (by me) elephants adorn the top of our display serving as symbolic reminders of the royal elephants (carrying the Chinnada Ambari) of Mysore Dasara. 

My son’s heart-warming rendition of doll festival was an invaluable lesson in expressing oneself.

Handcrafted elephant wall hangings – These are a seemly tribute to the splendor and aristocracy of the parade elephants of the Mysore kings. Incorporating timeless Rajasthani handicrafts was a fun way to turn my Dasara spectacle into a North meets South cultural kaleidoscope!

 Kaali in Madhubani form- The mother represents transcendent power and courage as Kaali. Her charisma and exuberance is rightly captured in this folk art rendition. Pulling pieces from your art collection into your festive tableau is a great way to get some extra mileage out of your favorite pieces.

Heirlooms – I decided it was time to start collecting things that would be looked at as time –worn family treasures years from now, objects that would carry with them a sense of history, meaning and tradition. I love this delicately handcrafted carousel with its vivid colors and tuneful music – I found this on my recent trip to France and knew this would be a wonderful keepsake. It makes a great addition to our “magical” row sharing the space with fairies and knights and another keepsake – the tin Ferris wheel that is a replica of the original 1900’s penny toys. I love the lithographic printing on this timeless toy!

Parade of Gods – Our display this year was a little more tradition heavy than last year as we had what I like to fondly refer to as the “Parade Gods”. After all, Golu or bombe habba is a depiction of all celestial beings standing still while Shakti attempts to reinstate cosmic balance. I hope as my doll collection grows, I can one day have a gorgeous display of luminous idols in gorgeous jewel tones that are all symmetrically laid out (sigh!)

And because everyone’s got to have a favorite…. I have one too! Isn’t this just adorable – if I may say so myself?

Setting up the doll display has taught me that passion, dedication; hard work can all be expressions of worship. Dussehra tells the story of the Divine Mother recreating herself perhaps symbolizing the need for recycling and rejuvenation of our strengths and our spirit! I wish you a peaceful and prosperous time as you celebrate with your own families.

Shubho Bijoya!

Cheers!

~Deepa

P.S: All images are from my home and taken by my husband. Please do not use without permission.

Inspiration Station: Dasara Bombe Habba!!

As we get ready for Dasara this week, allow me to indulge in a little bit of a story telling, and in the sharing of pictures from my doll arrangement this year. 

Dasara, being my favorite festival of the year got me getting a head start on the arrangements last weekend! Just so I could bring in the inspiration for Aalayam! See how much I love you? 

Dasara festival, the biggest Hindu festival, both in terms of scale and mythology, has gotten larger and grander in my wedded home, year after year, since I got married and started orchestrating the festivities. My mother used to make (and still does) elaborate Dasara arrangements in my maternal home, with a 7 step display of Dasara Bombe (dolls), and a scrumptious dinner party for all of our extended family back when I lived with my parents.

Now that I am away from “home”, in the USA, I delve back into my childhood memories, and tap into my child like enthusiasm as Dasara approaches, getting ready to reconfigure my doll display, get into Skype yeladakke visits with all my friends and relatives, and of course, prepare for the Aalayam photoshoots. And it never fails to excite me every single year. 

I am delighted that I have two little helpers, my twin 5 year old daughters, who participate with enthusiasm in the storyboarding of the doll set up, negotiate fiercely as to which dolls can be “borrowed” from their collection, vs. not, and generally add a festive buzz to the whole proceeding. And some years, like this one, I have the good fortune of having the grandparents on board the festivities as well, they partaking with delightful joy in the tradition…becoming a child once more….joining in the fun.

You see, that is the magic of tradition, it’s all about keeping the good stuff alive – culture, family ties, mythology & memories. And of course, food ! J  (For those who follow me on Facebook, you know what I am talking about)

So, here goes, Dasara Bombe Habba –Aalayam 2014 special !(that’s  most of what’s written in Kannada script in the first graphic) from our humble home.

Let’s delve a little bit into the mythology and significance of Dasara.  The festival of Dasara is unique in its perception and significance. According to the great Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Ram killed demon king Ravana on the tenth day of war, that is known as the “Dussehra”.  Ravana is said to have abducted Ram’s wife, Sita and was also known as a dictating ruler, and he was vanquished by glorious Rama. As par for the course, Dussehra or Dasara festival symbolizes triumph of virtue over sin or immorality. The end of Ravana meant end of the embodiments of evil and malice.

Forms of celebrations can take on a wide variety of manifestations, ranging from worshipping the goddess Chamundeshwari (Durga) to exhibiting colorful dolls on the day of "Bombe Habba" (festival of miniature idols or dolls). There is a legend related to the exhibition of dolls that is also known as Golu. Since the goddess Durga needed tremendous power to fight over evil, all other Gods and Goddesses transferred their power to Goddess Durga and they all stood still as dolls.

To respect the self-sacrifice of these deities during the festival days, Hindus revere dolls that are in shape of particular Gods and Goddesses. Of particular significance is the "Dashavatara".  The "Dashavatara" of Indian mythology can be linked to Darwin's theory of evolution. Here are the incarnations: Matsya (Fish), Koorma (Turtle), Varaha (Boar), Narasimha (Half-Man, Half-Lion), Vamana (Dwarf), Parashu Rama (Man weilding an axe), Rama (Man, Ruler), Krishna/Bala Rama (Man, Politician), Buddha (Man, Ascetic), Kalki (Man, Destroyer) are all represented and revered as miniature dolls.

Click here for a picture post full of Dashavatara incarnations, and the mythology behind each incarnation.

Now, let me take you on the grand tour of this year's Bombe arrangement from our home. Let’s start with my favorite arrangement of the lot – The Mysore Dasara procession shall we?

 Mysore Dasara is the Nadahabba (state-festival) of the state of Karnataka in South West India. On Vijayadashami, the traditional Dasara procession (locally known as Jumboo Savari) is held on the streets of Mysore city. The main attraction of this procession is the idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari which is placed on a golden mantapa (which weighs around 750 kilograms of gold) on the top of a decorated elephant. This idol is worshipped by the royal couple and other invitees before it is taken around in the procession. Colorful tableaux, dance groups, music bands, decorated elephants, horses and camels form a part of the procession which starts from the Mysore Palace and culminates at a place called Bannimantap where the banni tree (Prosopis spicigera) is worshipped. According to a legend of the Mahabharata, banni tree was used by the Pandavas to hide their arms during their one-year period of Agnatavasa (living life incognito). 

Before undertaking any warfare, the kings traditionally worshipped this tree to help them emerge victorious in the war. The Dasara festivities would culminate on Vijayadashami with an event held in the grounds at Bannimantap called as Panjina Kavayatthu (torch-light parade). 

Remember, we said that the classic interpretation of Dasara, is revering mythology, but the modern version of it is celebrating everyday life? Next, on to community living, and some fun!

In this most endearing display of “Nammoora Halli” or “Our Village”, I am storyboarding industriousness, sustainable living and entrepreneurship amongst rural Indian women. You see these gorgeous ladies in this display making a livelihood, by cheerfully carrying supplies, pounding spices, driving wagons and acting as the bread-winners in their homes by doing what they do best – nurture, serve and protect.

We then move along to the market place, manned by none other than Mr. & Mrs. Shetty – they symbolize the “vypari” or the merchant in the social strata of India. This particular couple is selling a variety of spices and condiments, waiting to welcome onlookers and customers into their store, whether it just for local gossip, or to make a considerable purchase. 

Beware, you cannot fool savvy Mr. Shetty, for he sure will make you pay the price, while still keeping up with the chatter!

Not to be undone, we have Subamma, who has set up shop, right next door. Selling snacks, (they sure are spicy – have you seen how many habanero sauce bottles she has in stock?) and Tiffin, Subamma, calls herself a “Dinasi Angadi” meaning “General Store”, but that’s only because she does not have a food license. 

That sure does not stop her from whipping out dosas and idlys by the dozen to hungry travelers. Does it? 

We then present an ode to everyday entertainment, far back from the time where there was no 24/7 cable TV, internet and smart phones. Presenting to you the “Grand Circus”, replete with a non-creepy clown, puppets, a ringmaster, magicians and acrobats!

The Indian classical musicians cannot be left far behind. Here they are, orchestrating a “Kacheri” with all their favorite string and percussion instruments, facilitating the conjugal harmony of Krishna and Radha in a swing nearby! 

Speaking of conjugal harmony, we have our own take on “happily ever after” with “Winter Wonderland”. Here we have Prince Charming and Princess Incognito serenading each other in a snow filled landscape, replete with magical fairies, elves and friendly trolls rollicking around in a Disneyesque environment! 

How enchanting is that?

In Dasara, we revere mythological heroes; however, it only is fair that we honor our real life heroes also for good measure right? Here we have the local firefighters in a daring rescue mission, carrying a baby out of a smoky building. 

Standing far away and watching with wonder is Caillou, a Canadian children’s TV star, who has just returned from school! (This was my daughter’s storyboard, in case you are wondering).

You see, this gets real animated. And really interesting and fun once we get into the groove of the festivities. If you have been following my Dasara bombe set up every year, you have seen my collection of dolls grow, and my display evolve into something alive, something fun, and something memorable for me, my friends and my family.

Settled in far flung corners of the world, we Indians are bound together by a common heritage..a shared joy that abounds in nostalgia of festivals we celebrated while growing up! It is a joy to see virtual family and friends here in the blogosphere, and social media revel in the same delight about my doll display and storytelling, that I once did as a kid! 

It is my aspiration that I keep on adding to this doll collection every year, and continue to think of new ways to present the most magnificent version of a story, or a concept and of a myth.

I aspire to bring to life community norms, societal traditions, fantasy and reality, and weave it together in the form a story. For me and my children to enjoy…What better way to do this than during Dasara, where tradition predicates the story telling, and culture presupposes creative expression?

I aspire to keep color and culture at the forefront of my story telling, and it’s so easy today with everything being digital.

I aspire to keep native aspects of our culture at the forefront of my story telling too, and that's tough to retain with everything being new age and western.

Whether it’s the safekeeping of the “Pattada Bombe” or the married couple doll set that gets gifted to every married woman as part of her wedding trousseau (I have two, although I got married only once! J, I guess it will propitiously serve to be allotted one for each of my girls!), or the redesign of the bombe mane steps to be more green and modern. I aspire never to get predictable. 

I aspire to keep culture alive. And never to let the enthusiasm fade. And never to stop spinning a tale!

I hope this picture post filled with snapshots of this year’s festive Dasara Bombe Habba from our home has filled you with as much joy and inspiration, as I hoped it would!

So, my dear dear readers. Was this a joyous respite for you?

Did this post rekindle childhood memories? What IS your favorite Dasara tradition?

And thank you really, thank you for being part of my virtual Dasara celebration. The festival is no fun without you! Have a fantastic festival !!

Also, stay tuned for Part 2 of Dasara  Bombe Habba festivities- from Deepa's home. 

Love,
Supriya 

p.s: All photographs are shot by me, and are part of the Dasara Bombe Habba of our home. Please do not use without permission.