Here comes the Navratri Kolu...

If you live in Chennai and all set to buy dolls for Navratri, here's the MUST-SEE shops:- 1)Kuralagam (Govt Shop) - Opp Madras High Court 2) Poompuhaar (Govt Shop) - Opp LIC 3) Khadi Shop - There are many but you can check out the one opp. the newly constructed OIL TANK oops Assembly 4) Street Shops at Mylapore (near the TANK) - the best place for bargaining and 5) Bommai Chathram - Near Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane. Besides these you can check out CP Arts Centre where you can get fancy wooden dolls and terrocota sets and also the 1st floor at Sundari Silks...

I have already visited the 2), 4) and 5) this year :-) Yet to visit the rest which I would be doing shortly...

This years best bets :-

1) Thennangur Pandurangan and Rukkumayi Dolls
2) Narasimha Avtaar breaking out of the Pillar Post with Prahladan and Co.
3) 12 Alwaars
4) 8/14 sets of Krishna Leela
5) Wedding Feast Set
6) Arupadai Veedu
7) 8/9 sets of Ramayana (an old one)
8) Adimoolam Set (Lord Vishnu saves the elephant from the crocodile's clutches)

Then you have the usual Dasavatharam, Ashtalakshmi, Kalyana Set, Cricket Set, Kanchipuram Garuda Sevai etc...

Shubh Navrathri!!!

PS: In case you opt to buy at Triplicane, ensure that you bargain...Its best to visit all these shops, compare prices and then make a decision!