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Navaratri is a major Hindu festival celebrated for nine nights (and ten days) in honor of the divine feminine. It is observed in the autumn every year. The word "Navaratri" means "nine nights" in Sanskrit. During this time, various forms of the goddess Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati are worshiped. The festival is marked by fasting, dance, and the display of dolls and figurines in homes. It is a time of great joy and devotion for Hindus around the world During Navaratri, people engage in various traditional and cultural activities. Some common practices during Navaratri include:

Puja and Worship: Many people perform puja (prayer rituals) at home or in temples, honoring different forms of the divine feminine, such as Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

Fasting: Some individuals observe fasts during Navaratri, abstaining from certain foods or eating only one meal a day as a form of spiritual discipline.

Dance and Music: In many regions, traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya Raas are performed as part of the celebrations. These dances are often lively and colorful, involving rhythmic movements and traditional music.

Doll Displays: In some parts of India, especially in the southern states, families set up "Golu" displays, which are elaborate arrangements of dolls and figurines depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology and everyday life.

Community Gatherings: Navaratri is also a time for community events, where people come together to celebrate, dance, and participate in cultural programs

Golu, also known as Kolu, is a traditional and elaborate display of dolls and figurines arranged on stepped platforms during the festival of Navaratri, particularly in the southern states of India, such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.

The Golu display typically consists of tiers or steps, often in odd numbers, with dolls and figurines representing various themes, including gods and goddesses, mythological characters, traditional rural life, and modern scenes. The arrangement often tells stories from Hindu mythology and showcases the cultural heritage of the region.

Visitors, especially women and children, are invited to homes to view the Golu display, and it is a time for socializing and sharing sweets and snacks. In some communities, it is also a custom to exchange gifts and return home with small gifts or tokens from the host.

The Golu display is not only a colorful and artistic tradition but also serves as a way to promote creativity, storytelling, and cultural exchange within the community.