· Subha Karthik · 2 min read
Golu Wishes from EcoPal: Simple Shifts for less stress
The Golu season, once a simple celebration of togetherness and song, has become a source of stress with its grand food, elaborate celebration, losing its authentic joy. It's time to shift back to simple traditions like offering just sundal and sharing songs from the heart to rediscover the true spirit of this beautiful festival.
It’s the time of year for Navaratri, and with it, the beautiful tradition of Golu! For generations, Golu has been a celebration of community, creativity, and devotion. It is a time when homes open their doors to friends and family. We would gather around the Golu steps, a tiered display of dolls, singing traditional songs with our hearts out.
While it’s a beautiful time, it can also get a little overwhelming. Let’s make this year’s Golu a stress-free and truly meaningful celebration.
Here are three simple shifts that can help us rediscover the true spirit of Golu.
1. Simplify the Feast: It’s About Sharing, Not Stressing
We’ve all been there: stressing over a huge menu and complicated dishes for the guests. But remember, the original tradition was to serve a simple sundal, often wrapped in a newspaper. This was not only about sharing a humble treat but also about minimizing waste. This year, let’s bring back that simplicity. Serve a simple prasaadam like sundal to your guests and focus on the joy of conversation, not the complexity of the meal. This simple shift will not only save you from kitchen stress but also make your celebration more sustainable.
2. Ditch the Return Gifts: The Gift is Presence
The tradition of Golu has evolved to include elaborate and expensive return gifts. While the gesture is kind, it can add pressure and take away from the true purpose of the festival. Let’s remember that the most valuable gift you can give is your presence and time. This year, let’s leave the expensive gifts behind and instead offer a warm welcome and heartfelt conversation. Your guests will appreciate the genuine connection more than any material possession.
3. Put Down the Phones: Sing Your Heart Out
In our digital world, it’s easy to get distracted by our phones, even during celebrations. But Golu is a time for togetherness, for singing devotional songs, and for making memories with loved ones. Let’s put away our phones and immerse ourselves in the beautiful tradition of singing and sharing stories. The joy you’ll find in these moments is what truly makes the festival special.
This Golu season, let’s make a conscious effort to focus on joy, community and simplicity. By embracing these three shifts, we can reduce stress, cut down on waste, and truly honor the festive spirit.
Happy and stress-free Golu to all 🙏 !
