Abdul Kalam, ‘doll’ing of this year’s golu collection

Other attractions include animated characters Motu Patlu and contemporary themes of wedding reception settings. Pavement shopkeepers have spread a veritable spread for the busiest time of the year. Made from a variety of materials ranging from clay, papier mache, wood and even fibre, the colourful display of dolls is irresistible for many. While traditional Dasavatharam, Shiva and Radha-Krishna are always a big draw, the stalls also have a range of contemporary dolls modelled after famous personalities and cartoon characters.

“Here is Motu Patlu”, points out Devi, one of the doll sellers, waving the duo, bright in yellow and red costumes, in the air. “They are priced between Rs 800 and 900 a set, but we can bargain.” Devi, who is from the city, has been selling dolls sourced from traditional craftsmen in Cuddalore, at the same spot for more than a decade now. A few students stop to admire the doll of former president the late APJ Abdul Kalam, in his trademark grey suit. Ashok Kumar, in charge of the stall, says, “His presence is relevant to the golu. This figurine is an unfaltering representation of his persona, especially the kind eyes. It is priced at Rs 750; I hope to sell a number of the dolls.” 

Modern day scenes in the form of music concert at a wedding reception and the cricket match scene inspired by Indian cricketers in Test gear adorn the pile. However, sellers turn to their traditional dolls, as they remain popular. Saroja, a third generation doll seller, dusts six idols of Vinayaka, she has just removed from a carton. “This is a scene titled ‘eli dance’; appropriate for Vinayaka as the animal is his vehicle,” she says. 

So, where is the much-discussed Baahubali, we ask a shop keeper, who has been hinting at a famous film character who he wants to reveal only on amavasya, when the sales pick up. He smiles and says, “Coming soon.”