Bombe Mane returns with tales of tradition

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Arrangements of dolls as part of Bombe Mane at the house of Hemalatha Kumaraswamy in Ramachandra Agrahara in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

A vibrant collection of dolls that tell the stories of the heritage city and mythological tales have returned to households in Mysuru as Dasara unfolds.

Setting up a Bombe Mane(Dasara Doll Show) during Dasara is an annual tradition affair for many households in Mysuru. A house located at 2nd Cross in Ramachandra Agrahara, known for its Bombe Mane for the past three decades, has once again opened its doors to a magnificent collection of dolls with distinctive artistic designs.

The house has a dedicated floor for the arrangement of dolls. The display curated by Hemalatha Kumaraswamy and her family, brings to life a numerous characters and episodes of Indian mythology with particular focus on the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Incarnations of Rama and Krishna form the central theme of the display, alongside traditional Pattada Raja Rani dolls.

The dolls are displayed on nine tiered platforms. Activities largely associated with the Mysuru palace and its Dasara celebrations have found a unique place in this Bombe Mane. Dolls depicting Jamboo Savari, private durbar, Nandi Dhwaja, Jatti Kalaga and erstwhile Mysuru royals, specially designed by artists, are the highlights of display. Some of iconic structures existing in around the city built during the era of Wadiyars are featured in doll show.

Mythological characters like Shakunthala and King Dushyantha have also inspired the curator, adding another dimension to the collection. There are family dolls too highlighting wedding, naming ceremony and other events.

The dolls featured in Bombe Mane have been sourced from various parts of the country and the massive collection of these colourful dolls attracts the visitors not only from Mysuru, but from other cities too.

However, Ms. Hemalatha said there is a perceptible decline in Bombe Mane tradition lately. “As younger generation show less interest, Bombe Mane tradition has gradually declined in Mysuru. Several households have discontinued their display of dolls house following the demise of older generation,” said Ms. Hemalatha.

Arrangements of dolls as part of Bombe Mane at the house of Sundareshan in Saraswathipuram in Mysuru. | Photo Credit: M.A. Sriram

Meanwhile, a variety of waste materials undergo artistic transformation in the hands of Sundareshan in Saraswathipuram, where Bombe Mane located at 5th Main attracts the visitors with the theme of patriotism.

Dolls commemorating the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, Kittur Chennamma are among the major attraction. Curated by Bhanumathi Sundareshan, the Bombe Mane features large-sized dolls dressed in traditional attire. “We invite children every evening and explain to them the tradition of Bombe Mane,” says Ms. Sundareshan. Their family offers Bombe Bagina to kids visiting their home.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pooja, a medical professional, has preserved dolls that are a more than a century old.