The celebration of Dussehra and Navratri’s distinctive expressions in South India is illustrated by regional traditions and narratives. One such unique expression of the festival is the arrangement of dolls. Enumerating the tales of Indian history and Puranas through dolls is a time-tested tradition known as Gombe Habba (festival of dolls) in Karnataka. Every year celebrating the tradition of Dussehra dolls or Gombe Habba takes centre stage in this festival time. Showcasing Indian art and culture and keeping this tradition alive with an array of doll-narrating themes can be commonly seen in the homes of Bengaluru and the entire Karnataka during this time of Sharada Navaratri. The Festival of Dolls involves collecting a wide range of wooden and clay dolls and presenting them on a multi-stage platform.
The doll display focuses on tales from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagvatha Gita, and stories from Hindu Puranas besides highlighting pilgrimage centers like Char Dham, Tirupati, Kailash Mansarovar, etc. People also display Puri’s famous Jagannath Rath Yatra, and Tirupati Brahmotsavam through these dolls.
