The display of dolls at homes in Mysuru during Dasara celebrations is a rich tradition which is still practiced in many households in the city of palaces. The centuries-old tradition has remained integral to Navarathri. Colourful dolls on various themes are put on display and guests are invited home to get a glimpse of the dolls and their thematic arrangements.
Mysuru, which comes alive every year during Dasara, boasts of the doll display tradition that dates back to the times of Vijayanagar Empire. Though younger people seem less inclined to continue ‘Bombe Habba’ (Festival of Dolls) with all its elaborate traditional practices, it is not a system that has gone into oblivion.
Traditionally, most dolls are either made of wood or clay, a testament to the times when the city had many potters and clay artisans. The idols of gods and goddesses usually take centre stage in doll exhibitions. Dolls made from terracotta, ceramic, plaster of Paris, paper mesh, metal, and cloth are also exhibited. At homes where the tradition is prevalent, children love to help their mothers in adorning ‘Pattada Bombe’ (Raja-Rani dolls) and also help in creating a platform for assembling and bedecking the dolls.
