West Windsor Arts is bringing a vibrant South Indian cultural tradition to Mercer County with a unique 11-day installation of golu dolls and a festive event on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The event, titled From Ethereal to Real: A Navratri Golu,” will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. at the arts center, showcasing handcrafted dolls and heirlooms arranged in displays that explore global warming through mythology and metaphor.
The community is invited to experience the creativity and cultural significance of Navratri Golu, a nine-day celebration of divine feminine power typically observed in South Indian households.
This year, West Windsor Arts will recreate the tradition in its gallery space with a public celebration. The display, created by local artist and West Windsor Arts Vice President Padmaja Ganapathy, offers a visual narrative that blends tradition with modern issues like climate change.
“I’m very excited to bring this community golu to the arts center,” says Ganapathy. “The response has been exhilarating, and we can’t wait to gather everyone together to share this beautiful tradition.”
Along with the elaborate golu installation, the event will feature live Indian classical music, a presentation on the cultural and spiritual significance of the golu, and art activities for children. The goal is to immerse the community in the beauty and joy of this communal tradition.
In addition to the main event on Oct. 5, West Windsor Arts will offer several opportunities for the public to visit the golu display between Oct. 2 and Oct. 12.
Guided tours for groups of four or more are also available by appointment. Visiting hours include Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 5, from 4 to 9 p.m. during the Golu Extravaganza.
Additional visiting hours are on Wednesday, Oct. 9, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m., in celebration of Vijayadasami, the 10th day of victory.
Visitors will have the chance to witness intricately designed dolls, often passed down through generations, arranged in symbolic settings.
“Most of the dolls are made of clay or wood and are brightly painted. A golu reflects a cross-section of society, often capturing history and culture through the figures,” says Ganapathy.
The installation is part of West Windsor Arts’ ongoing efforts to engage the community in diverse cultural events.
“As a female-led organization, we’re thrilled to participate in this celebration of the feminine divine,” says Aylin Green, executive director of West Windsor Arts. “Padmaja’s golu touches on critical issues, like global warming, through thoughtful storytelling.”
For more information and to register for the Oct. 5 event, visit westwindsorarts.org.
