When Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay made it to the Navarathri Golu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has captured the attention of Golu doll makers this year. At least two doll makers from Kumaran Anugraha Kalyana Mandapam in West Mambalam have crafted dolls of the actor-turned-politician. Artisan Kavitha Munusamy chose to depict his striking hand gesture in a six-inch-tall clay doll, adorned in gold and various colors.

"We are all fans of Mr. Vijay at home, and that particular gesture in the Assembly remains in our minds," she explained. Another artisan, Kalaichelvan, had dolls of Lord Ganesha fashioned on Vijay's likeness at his stall. This year, many Ganeshas were created wearing party-colored attire, resembling Vijay and even riding a bicycle.

The sale of Golu dolls will persist until Monday night at Kumaran Anugraha, as well as along the roads in West Mambalam and Mylapore for a few additional days. Many shoppers continue to seek dolls for the upcoming Golu festival, as the event draws nearer. L. Sahana mentioned that she frequently visits various shops for doll sets and larger dolls at more budget-friendly prices.

As vendors reduce prices to avoid transporting dolls home, it is also an opportune time to acquire smaller individual pieces, such as a Muruga idol or a Hanuman figure.