Ahead of ‘Navarathri’ which begins on October 13, Poompuhar showroom of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation in the city has opened an exhibition and sale of ‘kolu’ dolls.
Sourced from Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Puducherry, Kolkata and Mumbai, large clay dolls of deities as well as smaller dolls which are parts of sets are for sale.
“Apart from the sets depicting ‘Dasavataram,’ ‘Ashtalakshmi,’ Ravana Durbar and events such as Perumal Brahmotsavam, there are also sets which have been made depicting popular children’s stories. These sets are favoured by many to be kept in their Kolu arrangements at home,” said P. Manoharan, showroom manager.
Kondapalli and Marapachi dolls are also on sale at the expo.
Apart from clay dolls, paper mache dolls, which are lightweight and sturdy, are also on display.
“These are preferred by NRI customers who buy them and transport them to different countries as they are lightweight and less fragile than clay dolls. Many have already placed orders for dolls ahead of the festive season so that we can have them made to their specifications,” a salesperson said.
The Kolu dolls are priced between Rs. 100 to Rs. 5,000 and are available at a discount of 10 per cent as part of the exhibition, which will be held till October 24 at the West Veli Street Poompuhar showroom.