The tradition of displaying dolls during Dasara that threatened to go out of vogue has been kept alive by individuals owing to their abiding interest in preserving a slice of the cultural heritage.
With the new generation hooked on to all things digital, there were concerns of Gombe Habba being a very low-key affair to the point of being non-existent. But individual efforts have not only kept alive the tradition but also their interest in showcasing dolls during the festival has become infectious and encouraged others to revive the practice.
A case in point is the initiative of Hemalatha Kumaraswamy of Ramachandra Agrahara. Collecting toys and dolls from across the country is a passion with her and these are displayed during Navaratri in a thematic manner.
“Thousands of dolls are procured from across India and even abroad and are displayed every year in a thematic manner,” said Ms. Kumaraswamy who is a Deputy Secretary in the Regional Commissioner’s office in Mysuru.
Providing a bird’s eye view of Mysuru complete with the places of interest around it alongside a few customs and traditional practices of the region is the “doll house” created by Ms. Kumaraswamy. “Along with Raja-Rani dolls, there is life of Girijanas, depiction of durbar hall, procession etc and the themes change every year,” she added.
The custom of displaying dolls gained currency with the maharajas of Mysuru patronizing Dasara in a big way and the practice became deep rooted and crystallised as a tradition over the centuries. The dolls are displayed on a step-up platform of nine tiers signifying Navaratri.
Ms. Kumaraswamy has been displaying dolls for the last 25 years and this year people from Mysuru and surrounding areas have made a beeline for her house to view them. “There is good response from the public and though it is hard work the efforts are worth it when people exude in joy and appreciate the display,” she said, giving credits her husband, Mr. Kumaraswamy, a retired BSNL employee, and her son for supporting her endeavour. Their address is 567/3, Ramachandra Agrahara, ph.No.9449275897.
Besides individuals, the Ramsons Kala Pratishtana, an institution promoting traditional art forms, has been displaying dolls through its exhibition aptly titled “Bombe Mane” or Doll House at Pratima Gallery, Nazarbad Main Road. An initiative launched a few years ago to revive the tradition, there are thousands of dolls depicted as stand-alone objects or in a thematic manner which are a feast for the eyes.
