GOLU-EXHIBITION ? - 797
A GOLU WHICH IS NO LESS THAN A DIVINE ART EXHIBITION
We were at Ajax in Canada on Sunday the 28 th of September 2025 . It was a special day for two reasons . I have always been a Cricket Buff and try to watch all India related matches wherever and in whichever time zone they are played in . It was the day of the much touted Title Clash and the Finals Of THE ASIA CUP CRICKET MATCH between India and Pakistan which was being played at The Dubai International Stadium . The Match was Scheduled to start at 10.30 am Toronto Local time . There was plenty of On Field and Off Field drama and acrimony by the Pakis during their previous two league stage Matches which were won by India handsomely and by a huge margin at that . Both were labelled as one sided encounters by the Pundits of the game . This did not seem to sit well with the Pakis and they were all set for a revenge in more ways than one . This made the match all the more exciting and looked forward to event .
We were invited for lunch by my Daughter in Law Vandanaa's cousin VIVEK - CHARU and family who stayed at Brampton some 80 Kms away . This day also happened to be in the middle of the NAVARATHRI - GOLU / DUSSEHRA Celebrations . I remember Vandanaa mention in passing that the GOLU at Charu and Vivek' s place was really special and something special to look forward to .
I must confess that though I was sure that they too would be watching the Match on Live Telecast , I feared missing a part of the match and the excitement that went with it during our 80 km and near 90 minute travel.
As it turned out we were invited warmly into their Living Room with the TV covering the Match and a few watching the match with all gusto .
India had already lost 3 important wickets with Abhishek Sharma , Shubman Gill and SKY back in the hut . Tilak Verma , Sanju Samson and Shivam Dubey played the match of their lives and saw us through .
It was only while Video Recording the winning shot by Rinku Singh and covering all the others cheering and watching the match in the room did I notice that we were actually sitting smack in the middle of a room full of Elaborate and Intricately Designed and Beautifully Arranged Golu . The Nine Step Golu in the adjoining room also seemed to have missed my attention .
We had our sumptuous lunch while waiting endlessly for the Presentation Ceremony . Vandanaa's Aunt ensured that everyone had their fill and more .
It was then that Vandanaa and Mami who had already taken a round of the entire Golu informed us that a bigger surprise awaited all of us in the two rooms of Golu Decorations on the floor above .
The attention to detail in the placement of the Idols , Colours used , Decorations , Lightings , Cloth and Clothes used , Paper Paintings on the Walls , Kolams , Hand Paintings on the Decks or Golu Padi and most importantly Placards and Boards explaining the happenings and the story behind each set of idols was unique and most informative . Not many , which unfortunately includes yours truely know all the stories in full detail behind these tales . Let's forget Canada , not many in our own India are I am afraid fully aware of the wonderful stories or tales behind these Idols and the stories that they tell . These have been passed down the ages by our ancestors but the vigour or enthusiasm sadly seem to be slowly diminishing now .
We were in this HOUSE or EXHIBITION as I would now like to call it at just past noon . We could see a lot of people leaving after their visit even as we were entering the place . We were informed that a lot many had already visited the place and had a look at this MARVEL GOLU . Word of mouth seemed to have travelled far and wide , so much so that Total Strangers were visiting the place to have a look at this GOLU .
" CHARU AND VIVEK'S WONDER GOLU "
They seem to be a Family steeped in our Culture and Tradition . The Citation on the wall of MAYURI , their daughter being in the GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS FOR DANCING went on to prove that .
This was not taking place in some Metro City, Town or Village in India but in far away Toronto in Canada .
It would be only fair to admit that my failing memory and my not so perfect English would have done complete justice to fully capture the essence of the GOLU in all its glory . I would therefore suggest that you go through the Videos at leisure and pause if necessary to capture the marvel in this GOLU
Charu , I can't imagine the effort and time you must have put in to create this Wonder .
You are a true inspiration to all and more importantly to all our youngsters .
HAPPY NAVARATHRI AND DUSSEHRA WISHES TO ALL GOING THROUGH THIS LENGTHY WRITE UP .
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