Kanchipuram Golu Bommai

The history of Kanchipuram is as old as time itself. The region has remained the centre of knowledge and wisdom with many stories to tell. The place finds its mention in famous Tamil classics such as ‘Manimekalai’ and the ‘Perumpanattu Padai’ where the city is so vividly described indicating the height of civilization and its advancement in art, architecture, literature, and spirituality. The city has deep roots connected to Hinduism and its art and architecture are tangible proofs of the legends of Gods and Goddesses looking over the auspicious land. The people of Kanchipuram have always celebrated their traditional crafts and have settled in communities engaged in preserving the knowledge till date. One such cluster is the Bommakaara veedhi which constitutes of only artisans who make Golu dolls. Bommakaara veedhi is ‘the land of clay dolls and idols’, primarily focussed on making clay idols worshiped during Navratri. This is the nucleus of doll-manufacturing which engages hundreds of talented artisans who make hand-made clay and papier-mâché dolls with intricate details and vibrant colours. National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai SH 49A, Vikram Sarabhai Instronics Estate, Tharamani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600113