This Navarathri, though Athi Varadar, who turned India's attention towards Him, was the new sensation and obvious choice of many for displaying in their kolu, thematic kolus depicting topical issues like Sangam age, sustainable development and green drive took centerstage. DC explores some of the socially relevant kolu themes portrayed by celebrities and residents of Chennai.
Susatainable Development
Jayashree Chinni Jayanth, a business consultant, says, “We have combined tradition, spirituality and modernity for this particular theme. It represents the sustainable development, connecting ancient, urban and rural Tamil Nadu. In our kolu, the ancient day is represented with Thirukannamangai temple dedicated to Sri Bhaktavatsala Perumal considered as one of the 108 Divya Desams and is situated in Tiruvarur district. This village/shrine is called Saptamrita Kshetram and famous for 7 elements of nature represented by vimanam, mandapam, aaranyam, theertham, kshetram, river and town. It was a self-sustained village. The beehive decoration we have made is believed to be devas worshipping Lord Vishnu!
While we have portrayed a self-sustained city though buildings, water, infrastructure, Valluvar Kottam, metro rail and solar panels, we have shown the need to conserve water bodies and safeguard natural resources in rural areas. We also do a survey with our guests seeking their opinion on ideal city. From their inputs, we would like to take our dreams forward.”
Kids explaining Sangam age depiction. (Photo: A.R. ANSER)
Sanngam Era
Aparna Bharani Pillai, actress/educationist, says, “Every year, we keep kolu in my Sun Smart Foundation International School where we represent the traditional kolu along with a theme. A couple of years back we did 'Rally for Rivers'.
This year, I got inspired from the recent cultural deposits unearthed during excavations at Keeladi in Sivagangai district, a major turning point in the cultural historiography of the ancient Sangam age. Accordingly, I wanted to project antiquity of Tamil culture and heritage of that age and Tamil Nadu in Sangam era.
The research angle is also dealt with. We have portrayed their lifestyle, dance and art forms, family, water bodies and farming methods. The best part is that the kids from Grade 1 to 5 from my school have organised this theme. We recently conducted the Heritage Festival at our school , we made them do pottery, explore Grantham script, which helped them in this gratifying endeavor.”
