Golu Items List: Everything You Need for a Beautiful Navaratri Golu

Every year, the week before Navaratri feels the same in many Tamil homes. The steps come down from the loft, the dolls are unwrapped from old newspaper, and someone always asks, “Where did we keep the marapachi?” A good golu items list saves that last-minute rush and lets you enjoy the build.

This checklist covers the things most families need for a Navaratri golu, from the steps to the thamboolam you give guests. Use it as a starting point and add your own family traditions.

Why keep a golu items list?

Golu is not just a display. It is nine evenings of guests, songs, kolam and sundal. When you plan with a list, you buy what you actually need, avoid duplicate dolls and spread your spending across the weeks before the festival.

A list also helps if you are setting up your first golu in a new home or a small flat. You can decide early how many steps you have space for and which dolls are the priority.

The golu items list: 15 essentials

1. Golu steps (padi)

Most families use an odd number of steps: 3, 5, 7 or 9. Folding metal stands are easy to store. Wooden planks on bricks or a sturdy table also work. Measure your wall first so the top step does not touch a fan or switchboard.

2. Cloth to cover the steps

A plain white veshti, an old silk saree or a bright cotton cloth hides the frame and makes the dolls stand out. Pin it so it does not slide.

3. Marapachi dolls

The wooden couple, marapachi bommai, is the heart of many golus. They are traditionally dressed as a bride and groom and placed on a top step. If you are starting fresh, this is the first pair to buy.

4. Kalasam

A brass or silver kalasam with a coconut and mango leaves is placed on the top step in many homes. It represents the goddess and marks the start of the festival.

5. Deity dolls

Ganesha, Saraswathi, Lakshmi, Durga, Murugan and the Dasavatharam set are common choices. Arrange them from the top, following your family custom.

6. Theme and village sets

Wedding sets, market scenes, temple processions, cricket teams, even space themes. Children love building a new theme each year. Keep these on the lower steps.

7. Lamps and diyas

Brass kuthu vilakku or small diyas near the golu add warmth in the evening. Use a tray under every lamp and keep it away from cloth. You can browse brass diyas and pooja items on ShopC from local sellers.

8. Kolam powder and colours

A fresh kolam in front of the golu each day welcomes guests. Keep rice flour for white kolam and coloured powder for weekends.

9. Flowers and garlands

Jasmine, marigold and rose garlands for the deities. Buy fresh flowers every two or three days.

10. Park or garden set

Many families make a small park with sand, grass seeds sprouted a week earlier, toy trees and animals. It is a lovely project for kids.

11. Fairy lights

Warm white serial lights behind the steps make the golu look festive at night. Check that the plug points are safe and not overloaded.

12. Thamboolam bags

Guests who visit your golu usually receive thamboolam: betel leaves, betel nut, a coconut or banana, kumkum, turmeric and a small gift. Cloth or paper bags look neat.

13. Return gifts

Small steel bowls, kumkum boxes, bangles, hair clips or a mini plant are popular. Bangles and bracelets from local sellers make simple, useful gifts.

14. Sundal ingredients

Each day of Navaratri, families make a different sundal: chickpea, green gram, peanut, black-eyed peas. Stock up on pulses, coconut, mustard and curry leaves.

15. Storage boxes

Plan for after Vijayadashami too. Bubble wrap, old newspapers and labelled boxes keep your dolls safe for next year.

How to arrange your Navaratri golu

There is no single rule, but many families follow this order from top to bottom:

Step	What usually goes here
Top steps	Kalasam, Ganesha, main goddess dolls
Middle steps	Other deities, saints, Dasavatharam
Lower steps	Marapachi, wedding sets, festival scenes
Bottom / floor	Park, village or theme set

Leave a little space between dolls so each one is visible. Place taller dolls at the back of each step.

Tips for buying golu dolls

• Check the base: dolls should stand straight without wobbling.
• Look at the paint finish in daylight, not only under shop lights.
• Buy sets from one maker so the sizes match.
• Pack clay dolls with soft cloth when you carry them home.

If you prefer not to rush between shops, you can order many golu essentials, lamps, return gifts and festive snacks from local sellers on ShopC and get them delivered.

A simple budget plan

Most of the cost comes from dolls, which you can build up over the years. In the first year, spend on the steps, marapachi and a few deity dolls. Each year after, add one new set. Thamboolam and sundal are the main recurring costs, so plan them by the number of guests you expect.

To learn more about the history and meaning of the festival, see this overview of Golu on Wikipedia.

Golu ideas for small homes and flats

Not every home has space for a nine-step golu, and that is perfectly fine. A three-step golu on a sturdy bookshelf or a single wide plank on two stools can look just as beautiful. Choose fewer dolls and give each one room.

• Use a corner of the living room where guests can sit and see the dolls.
• Hang a saree or dupatta behind the steps as a backdrop.
• Keep lamps on a metal tray on the floor rather than on the steps.
• Pick one theme, such as a wedding or a temple festival, instead of many small scenes.

If you live in an apartment, invite neighbours on a fixed evening so the golu becomes a small community event. Children can take turns welcoming guests and explaining the theme.

Whether your golu has three steps or nine, the joy is in sharing it with family and friends.

Frequently asked questions

A golu grows with your family. Start with this golu items list, keep it simple, and enjoy the evenings with friends, songs and sundal.