My Navratri Bombe Display — A Celebration of Tradition and Creativity

Since childhood, I have always cherished the “Bombe Habba,” as we call it in Kannada. This tradition involves arranging dolls, usually made of clay, along with figurines of Gods and Goddesses. As a child, the most thrilling part was creating themed displays such as parks, temples, and villages. We would also visit friends and relatives to admire their unique “bombe” arrangements.

Somewhere along the way, as I grew up, my enthusiasm for the festival faded. However, it was rekindled with the birth of my son in 2021. Since then, I eagerly anticipate this celebration each year. Throughout the year, I find myself constantly planning and brainstorming new ideas and themes for the doll display. Even without consciously thinking about it, Dasara and its “bombe” display are always at the back of my mind. Whether it’s visiting a new place, a temple, making a purchase at an exhibition, or experiencing something unique, it quickly sparks an idea that I can incorporate into my next doll display.

For the past two years, I’ve arranged theme-based dolls and crafts on a green turf. However, this year, I wanted to embrace a more traditional look by arranging the dolls on steps. After brainstorming various ideas using items available at home, we decided to use the granite seating by the window as one of the steps. We then used books and boxes to create the remaining two steps. Before we knew it, we had a three-tiered display ready for our dolls. This is how it turned out.

Three-tiered platform to display dolls

This year, I added a few new sets of dolls to my collection. First, I purchased a set of the three goddesses — Lakshmi, Durga, and Saraswati — as Navratri celebrates the power of the feminine. To commemorate the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya earlier this year, I included a beautiful Rama lalla (infant form of Lord Rama) idol that closely resembles the one in Ayodhya. Since the installation of Lord Rama in Ayodhya marks the legendary moment of his return after 14 years in exile and his coronation as king, I decided to add a Rama Pattabhisheka (Rama’s coronation) set to my collection.

Goddesses Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati

Rama lalla (Infant form of Lord Rama)

Lord Rama Pattabhisheka (Rama’s coronation)

During a recent visit to the Adiyogi near Chikkaballapur, I picked up a miniature Adiyogi statue. To celebrate Lord Shiva, I also added a set featuring Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Subramanya, and the sage Narada. This set illustrates the story of the race for wisdom, when Narada brings a divine fruit to Shiva.

Adiyogi

Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Subramanya and Sage Naradha

Instead of sticking to a single theme, I put together a variety of displays. I created a dollhouse with miniature furniture featuring Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, a playgroup classroom especially for my son, and a dinosaur park. I also decided to reuse the temple I had made last year. I placed all these creations on the third step, while the first two steps were dedicated to the Gods and Goddesses. Here’s how everything came together.

Bombe Habba 2024

As I look at the vibrant displays and the joy they bring, I am reminded of the rich traditions we cherish and the memories we create together. This festival not only allows me to celebrate my cultural heritage but also provides a wonderful opportunity to bond with my son and instill in him the values of creativity and tradition. I am excited to continue this journey each year, finding new ways to express our love for our culture through the enchanting world of dolls and festivities. Here’s to many more celebrations filled with joy, creativity, and the magic of “Bombe Habba”!