This Navaratri season witnessed a unique initiative that blended sustainability with social impact, bringing joy to underprivileged communities around Chennai. Surplus and gently used Golu dolls, which many families were reluctant to discard due to their sentimental and religious value, were collected and rehomed in rural villages.
Neighbourhood resident V.C. Kannan made an appeal through the Adyar-based ‘Swap–Don’t Shop‘ WhatsApp and Telegram groups, as well as social media platforms, inviting donations of unused or surplus dolls.
The NGO CORD, which has long been active in serving rural communities, facilitated the distribution. For many villagers, this marked their first-ever Navaratri Golu experience.
The dolls, carefully sorted and distributed, became part of community Golus and individual displays in these villages. Residents embraced the tradition with enthusiasm, performing customary practices and celebrating the festival with newfound pride.
The initiative not only gave a fresh purpose to unused dolls but also extended the cultural spirit of Navaratri to communities that had never experienced it before. The heartwarming effort underscored how sustainability can go hand in hand with cultural preservation and social upliftment.
For more information and to donate dolls, contact Kannan at 98410 18301.
