16th edition of ‘Bombe Mane’ dolls expo inaugurated

R.G. Singh, Honorary Secretary, Ramsons Kala Pratishtana (RKP), Mysuru, is seen explaining about the dolls on display at the 16th edition of Bombe Mane, an exhibition of exquisite dolls organised by RKP, to city’s well-known Bharatanatyam artiste couple Dr. Anjana Bhushan and Badari Divya Bhushan, who inaugurated the expo last evening. The year-long expo, which will be held at the Bombe Mane auditorium, #91, above ‘Aamrapali Sarees’ shop on Nazarbad Main Road, will be open to public between 10 am and 7 pm, everyday including Sundays and general public holidays. Dolls are universal in their appeal. The 16th edition focuses on the universality of ‘Gowri Habba.’ The festival is celebrated ahead of ‘Ganesha Habba.’ The two festivals together are often referred to as ‘Gowri-Ganesha Habba.’ The Goddess is depicted as seated on a plate which is covered with grains. Alternatively, the idol of the Goddess is seated on a Vahana. An idol of Goddess Gowri is established on a mount — either a mantapa or a plate filled with grains. Ritualistic prayers are then offered to the idol. One such ritual is ‘Bagina’ in which a set of ‘give-aways’ made of traditional items are made like packets of turmeric (arishina, yellow in colour), vermilion (kunkuma, red in colour), bangles, beads, blouse piece, coconut, some cereals and sweets such as jaggery. These sets are gifted to married women in the community, as a symbol of sharing happiness and prosperity.