For many in the city and in its fringes, Navaratri is incomplete without a visit to North Mada Street, Mylapore. A new Kolu padi and a visit to the Kapaleeshwarar Temple marks the beginning of the festival for them. Also, those who have been setting up a conventional Kolu at home for generations are sure to redesign their display after looking at the dolls here.
It is usually difficult for people to walk down North Mada street due to the crowds and people will be jostling between vendors and customers. From here vendors get goods from Kancheepuram, Panruti, Cuddalore, Villianur and other places, spread their wares and do brisk business, a week before Navarathri.
Three decades ago, the number of shops were not this many and shopping for the Navarathri dolls was a pleasant experience. There were half the number of shops and double the number of customers, said S Loganathan, a potter, who has been selling dolls here for more than 35 years.
Originally written for DTNext, read more at https://www.dtnext.in/Lifestyle/Culture/2017/09/28224224/1047285/Remembering-the-tradition-of-Navaratri.vpf