Photos: Sriram Narasimhan
This Navaratri, we visit one of the more popular kolus in Kollywood – the one at Kalpathi House. Co-sisters Aandal Aghoram (Kalpathi S Aghoram’s wife), Mahalakshmi Ganesh (Kalpathi S Ganesh’s wife) and Meenakshi Suresh (Kalpathi S Suresh’s wife) have been setting up a grand kolu in this house for more than 25 years, with great passion. The arrangement is not just restricted to the kolupadi (steps), but is spread across the house.
They have a different theme every year; this year, it is the rath yatra at the Puri Jagannadh temple.
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Explaining the theme, Aandal says: “Krishna is seen with his brother Balaram and sister Subadhra at the Jagannath temple. He comes out with his siblings during the rath yatra to meet people. They travel in a chariot from Jagannath to the Gundicha temple. We went to Odisha to research about the yatra and its associated stories. We bought the Krishna, Subadhra and Balaram dolls there and also ordered the chariot. We spoke to the priest to learn about the specialty of the festival.”
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They have created an entire Puri village, complete with houses, shops and wells, with dolls sourced from Mylapore, ISKCON temple and the exhibition at Crowne Plaza.
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The ladies then take us to the traditional padi set-up in a different room; it features a throwback theme. Some favourite themes from previous kolus are displayed here. The Kaali theme is spectacular; the idols have been sourced from West Bengal. The Hanuman idol from the Sundarakaandam theme and the Ashtalakshmi theme are some of the best we spotted.
Around 350 guests, including celebrities from the film world, visit Kalpathi House for the annual kolu. A special menu has been drawn up for guests. “Vijay’s mother sings here every year. Aishwarya Dhanush and Vikram’ wife Shailaja are our regular guests. We also invite our personal friends from the industry,” says Aandal.
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