Getting your pooja things ready for Navaratri golu

For Madurai families who keep golu, the weeks before Navaratri are busy. The dolls come down from the loft, the steps are set up, and the brass needs to be ready for nine evenings of guests. Here is the checklist we give at the counter.

Start with the lamps two weeks ahead. Most homes place a pair of kuthuvilakku on either side of the golu steps; 12 to 15 inch lamps suit an odd number of steps between five and nine. Clean them with tamarind a few days before the first night, and stock about a litre of sesame oil for the nine days if you light both lamps morning and evening.

For guests, you need a plate for thamboolam: betel leaves, areca nut, kumkum, turmeric, a fruit and a small gift. A set of six 8 inch brass plates costs about ₹1,200 and lasts years. Women visitors are usually given kumkum from a small cup or silver box at the door, so keep one near the entrance.

Return gifts are where most of the budget goes. Small brass kumkum cups (₹95 each), agal diya pairs (₹40) and 5 inch camphor lamps (₹650) are popular. Order in early September if you need 50 or more, so we have time to polish and pack them. On the tenth day, Vijayadashami, a fresh lamp is often lit before the dolls are put away for the year.