Navaratri means worship of the goddess of power. It is an expression of devotion, tradition and cultural grandeur. In this Navaratri, it is special to install dolls and decorate the forms of deities in homes. The couple from Srirangapatna in Mandya district, who have preserved and continued the tradition of doll festival for more than four decades, have created an entire mythological world through more than three thousand dolls, attracting the attention of people. The doll exhibition held at the Narayanalakshmi Bhavan on Porter Road in Srirangapatna, Mandya district, is attracting the attention of visitors. The family of Mangalamma and Krishnabhatta have been continuing this tradition with devotion, faith and enthusiasm for the past four decades.

The entrance of the Narayanalakshmi Bhavan, where the exhibition is being held, welcomes visitors with a sacred view of the Ganges flowing from Shiva's matted hair. Several attractive art pieces, including the Ranganathitru bird sanctuary, the grandeur of the Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, are displayed here.

It takes almost a week to carefully assemble the collection of more than three thousand diverse dolls. The main attractions here include the royal couple in a costume, the decoration of Tirupati Timmappa, Gauri, Kumbhakarna, Satyanarayana puja, Dashavatara, Ashtalakshmi and Navadurgas. Not only the mythological world, but also the realistic depiction of everyday life is unveiled. The models of Alamelu Bazaar, cloth shop, bakery, grocery store, fruit and vegetable market introduce the charm of rural life.

Wedding processions, the decoration of bridegrooms, the dining row, the wedding muhurta and the chariot festival scenes attract the attention of visitors. Along with the wooden dolls of Channapatna, unique dolls from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are also on display.

Krishnabhatta, the organizer, said that continuing the tradition of doll exhibition for about 40 years aims to preserve and promote the heritage of Indian culture and Sanatana Dharma.

His wife Sarvamangala said, "We have been organizing the exhibition for the past four decades. It will be a pleasure to see thousands of people coming and watching."

Doreswami, a resident of Tandekere in K.R. Pet taluk, said that they have come with their children to see the doll exhibition. He added that children watching such exhibitions will develop an awareness of traditions.

Another local, Nanjegowda, said that there is an inseparable relationship between Navaratri celebrations and the display of Dussehra dolls. It has been a traditional identity in our Mysore region for centuries. Apart from Srirangapatna, hundreds of people from nearby villages can visit every day to see the dolls, he said.

In short, the efforts of Krishnabhatta couple, who have kept the tradition passed down through generations alive despite the rush of modernity, are praiseworthy. This exhibition, which brings together mythological stories, religious beliefs and depictions of everyday life through thousands of dolls, is a cultural bridge introducing our culture to the next generation.