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Planning to keep Navarathri Golu for the first time? Here is everything you need to know!
- •Navarathri begins on the Prathamai tithi after Amavasya in the Tamil month of Purattasi and concludes on Dasami.
- •Even if your family has no prior tradition, you can start keeping Golu by sincerely praying to your Kuladeivam and Ambal.
- •Golu steps ranging from 3 to 9 can be arranged, placing idols sequentially from single-sensed beings up to deities.
- •Clay dolls including the Trimurtis, Tridevis, Vinayagar, and Murugar must be included in the Golu arrangement.
- •Light a lamp every morning and evening for all nine days, perform puja, prepare special naivedhyam, and distribute prasadam.
Key Questions Answered
Yes, anyone can start setting up Golu even if previous generations did not have the practice or if it is not a custom in your community. First-time practitioners can begin by sincerely praying to their clan deity and Ambal, and tying a 1-rupee coin in a yellow cloth to ensure a successful observance without obstacles.
Golu steps should be arranged facing east-west so that the dolls face east. Depending on your preference and convenience, you can buy anywhere from 3 to 9 steps. The idols must be arranged from bottom to top, starting sequentially from single-sensed living beings up to six-sensed living beings, and placing major deities like the Trimurtis and Tridevis near the top.
Throughout all nine days of Navarathri, you must diligently perform puja every morning and evening without fail. A lamp must be lit at the foot of the Golu steps, and a different sweet and sundal variety should be prepared daily as naivedhyam, avoiding any masala powders, onions, or garlic. You can also invite neighboring women to give Thamboolam and distribute prasadam to young girls.
