Sometimes themes are planned even three months in advance to give them the time to collect all the required dolls.' Talking about the need to start the planning early she says, 'Nowadays, the Golu festival has become extremely competitive and people are becoming more innovative and creative with their ideas. And this year I have decided to get the entire 'Ashtalakshmi Set''. Every year as tradition demands, I hunt for the perfect doll to add to my collection. 'Two weeks ago, I registered for the local Golu competition and much before that I had finalised the theme for the decorations this year. 'I have a beautiful 80-year-old Subramanya Swamy doll in my collection,' says a proud Revathi from Gandhi Nagar, Adayar, who is already in the midst of a very tight schedule. The pride and joy that is felt by displaying your colourful dolls, some of which have been in the family for generations, is simply incomparable.

In the south, especially in Tamil Nadu, the Navratri Golu is an important part of the celebrations. The tenth day, which is considered the most auspicious, is celebrated as Vijayadasami or Dussehra. Navratri is celebrated for nine nights and ten days during which the nine forms of Shakti or Devi are worshipped.

Moreover, these holidays are extra special as they coincide with the colourful Navratri festival. The grueling exam season is over and with the holidays being just around the corner, there is a lot of excitement in the air. Find out how Navratri is celebrated in different parts of Southern India.

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