By C.Namachivayam, Venkatrathnam Nagar, Adyar
The Navaratri festival has just gotten over, and at this juncture, here is some interesting information about the doll festival of Japan (Hina Matsuri), in that it resembles in many ways the ‘Kolu’ of our Navaratri festival.
Hina Matsuri is celebrated for girls and is held on the 3rd of March every year. Families with girl children set up a display of dolls similar to ‘Kolu’ on bright red carpeted steps in their homes. Meticulous attention and effort are invested in arranging and displaying the colourful and eye-catching dolls and figurines mounted on the beautiful steps.
The doll arrangement is a representation of a Heian-era wedding. The hierarchy of arrangement of the dolls on the steps adheres to the following protocol: The emperor and empress dolls are on the topmost step; the dolls of court ladies, musicians, and attendants are kept on the lower steps; and bridal furnishings are on a lower tier. Each level of the steps has its symbolic meaning, from seasonal foods to ceremonial tools, weaving together the history, artistry, and cultural tradition.
Guests are invited to homes to see the display. Visiting guests are offered delicacies (like our Sundal), Shiro-Zake (white sake wine with rice malt), Hishi-mochi (lozenge-shaped rice cakes) and peach blossoms. Many shrines also hold special ceremonies for the occasion.
The dolls and figurines on display are considered heirloom treasures handed over from generation to generation and preserved carefully for the festival, similar to the practice followed for our ‘Kolu’ festival.
