Pic for representation
To preserve the rich traditions, art and history associated with Navaratri, the Chikkamagaluru District Brahmin Mahasabha will organise a nine-day Navaratri Bombe Habba at Ranganna Kalyana Mantapa from Oct 11.
“It is a living museum of our culture and heritage,” he told reporters on Friday. The tradition of displaying dolls during Navaratri occupies a special place in Karnataka’s cultural heritage, according to Joshi. What began as a royal custom gradually spread to ordinary households during the reign of the Mysore rulers,” he said. “The exhibition will feature displays on the worship of deities, stories from the puranas, social and artistic themes, the significance of Pattada Bombe, village life and contemporary issues,” Joshi said.
District president P Manjunatha Joshi described the event as more than just an exhibition. “Kings and maharajas used to install and worship Pattada Bombe, or royal dolls, in their palaces. The highlight of this year’s exhibition will be a pair of intricately carved sandalwood dolls representing a king and queen, he added.