Marapachi Dolls

These dolls made in pairs generally of male and female are dressed up by children as part of plaything and displayed during the Golu or "Bommai Kolu" festival.

Tirupathi is one of the locations where it is specially ornamentally carved, and the dolls are stated to represent Venkateshwara and his consort.

[4] As a tradition Marapachi dolls are a hereditary gift from mother to daughter when the latter starts her Bommai Kolu arrangement.

[5] A particular practice followed in South India is to gift the Marapachi Dolls to newly married couple for their children to play with.

[6] During the Golu festival, which is held in South India, as part of Navratri festival, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, the Marapachi dolls are part of the display; the displays are arranged in an odd number of tiers or steps of 3, 5, 7, 9, or 11, but generally in nine steps.