A peek into the largest bommagolu display in Thiruvananthapuram

The car porch looks like an art and craft class with pieces of cardboard and sponge, forex and resin sheet, paper, paint etc strewn on the floor. It is the last leg of preparation for the annual bommagolu at Sakthi Kripa, the residence of Sreekanth GS aka Kuttu Veerashaiva, near Kavaradi Junction, Pettah, in Thiruvananthapuram. The house has been the centre of attraction every Navarathri for displaying the largest golu in the capital city. Every year, it is kept open for the public.

This year, he is showcasing over 10,000 items and therefore the 1,800 sq ft house is overflowing with dolls and figurines in clay, wood, brass, bronze, alloy, ceramic, paper mache, etc. Besides the car porch, verandah, drawing room and dining room, this year it extends to the terrace as well. “Last year there were 7000 pieces. This Navarathri I decided to keep all that I have in my collection,” says Sreekanth, 38.

And it is almost a one-man effort and the sight is truly overwhelming for any visitor. “The preparations started two months back, during Onam. My brother and cousins helped with assembling the steps (for the golu) but I place each piece myself,” he says. Also, there are many idols and models on display that have been sculpted or handcrafted by Sreekanth who is an artist and has a background in animation.

Sreekanth GS aka Kuttu Veerashaiva has arranged over 10000 dolls at the bommagolu display at his home | Photo Credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR

The interest to arrange golu came from his paternal grandmother, late Gomathi Ambal. “She cherished her golu collection. She used to tell me that it would be my treasure. When I asked its worth, she would say, sokka thangam (pure gold). The dedication and enthusiasm with which she arranged the golu every year rubbed off on me. While growing up, we used to buy dolls and figurines from vendors of the Telugu Chettiar Street in the city who used to do door-to-door sale. As years passed by, more items got added to it, mostly vessels, which we received in the form of gifts and presents during festivals and weddings. I also started collecting stuff during my travels, especially across parts of Tamil Nadu, mainly Velachery in Madurai. Many of them were custom-made as well.”