Walking into one of the living rooms of the Paramesh household, an embellished banner reads, “Welcome to Pondy Bazaar.” The room is flooded by the aroma of sweets and scented candles, and is well lit by lights of various colors and sizes. Continue walking in, and one might initially acknowledge the presence of other visitors in the room, standing around the lavish display of colorful and sizable collection of idols.

Evaluating their intricate and realistic facial expressions and poses, these visitors may seem all too real, but take a closer look, and they are just mere replicas of men, women and children.

Molded by skins of paper and plastic, these life size humans were brought forth by the innovative hands of Jayashree Paramesh, a Redmond mom and wife. Elaborately garnished in traditional Indian dresses, these “people” stand alongside a religious display of Hindu idols in honor of Navratri.

Navratri is the celebration of the female deity Shakti, and three of her incarnations known as Durga, the warrior Goddess, Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and Saraswathi, the Goddess of knowledge. This holiday is celebrated for nine days and nights, in which Indians perform different kinds of worship for the deities and take part in various festivities specific to their region in India. The holiday began on the 12th of October and ended on the 23rd, culminating in a final pooja celebrating the goddess Durga herself.

Most Indians in the Redmond community celebrate Navratri by preparing special Indian dishes, inviting family and friends to visit and setting up decorations. One of the traditional decorations is the Golu, a stand that displays idols of Hindu deities.

The Golu is a structure that looks like a staircase, but functions as the base for arranging the idols. Traditionally, the least symbolic figures, such as people and animals, are placed on the bottom. As you travel the steps, the more important figures in Hinduism are displayed, ending with the most celebrated gods and goddesses on the top.

Jayashree said, “I bought most of the dolls from local Indian stores.” She says that there were only a few that she inherited from her family in India. Although she affirmed that there was little personal connection between her and the dolls, each idol represents a story. As most of the dolls are deities, they are arranged in such a way that demonstrates their history, in relation to other deities, as well.

Covering the steps, a traditional Indian sheet is used. These sheets range in color and variety, and are usually added to accompany and enhance the display. In front of the Golu is the Kolam, or Rangoli, which is a colorful Indian design, created using materials such as chalk, paint, beads and even colored sand.

Even though the Golu is already a showcase of creativity and celebration, Jayashree has taken the Golu back to its roots in India. She modeled the Golu after the ever-busy Pondy Bazaar, a famous market from Madras, Chennai. She explained, “This market is filled with street vendors,” and playfully exaggerated that you might even find vendors selling their goods from atop stationary cars.

Capturing the essence of the market area, she crafted a life size vendor’s stand, along with the hearty vendor himself, who is supposedly selling the dolls arranged on the Golu. Jayashwaree added that, Pondy Bazaar is especially busy during Navratri, because “everyone is off from work.”

Traditionally, people in India are allowed 10 days off during the span of Navratri. In America, that is not the case though.

To the right of the Golu are a mother and her child, passing by the shop. Like the vendor, they are garnished in Indian wear, from head to toe. Behind them is a miniature temple, similar to the kinds one would find in the bazaar, alongside the road, under the trees.

In discussion with Jayashree, she recalled, “I started setting up the Golu 15 years ago, when my second son was born.” In the early years of her Golu, she explained that they were not as intricate as her work in 2012, and the past few years. She began planning this year’s Navratri Golu around three weeks in advance, going to shops to determine whether her resources were applicable. She says that because materials were limited, she was not able to make all the decorations she wanted, including the possibility of more life size people. Nonetheless, Jayashree created a wonderful Golu, showing off her artistic abilities.

Navratri is not only a time for celebration. This holiday represents a special time for women to demonstrate their talents in the arts. Like Jayashree, they can show off their artistic abilities through the arrangement of the Golu. Also, women gather together and sing prayers or traditional Indian songs, showcasing their voices.

Jayashree remarked, “I don’t even know what I am going to do next year.” After she spent the past few weeks working hard on preparing for the holiday, she cannot begin to fathom the idea of preparations for the next year. For many, the decorations are a tiring process, but ultimately, it is rewarding.

Although Navratri is over, Jayashree, as well as many Indian families in Redmond, look forward to celebrating the holiday next year, and creating and sharing new experiences for all to enjoy.