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Dussehra, a vibrant 10-day Hindu festival, takes on unique regional flavours across India. In West Bengal, it transforms into Durga Puja, where the streets come alive with artistic pandals, while in Gujarat, Navratra pulsates with energy through the rhythm of garba dances. Karnataka’s Dasara, especially in Mysore, offers a royal spectacle that traces back centuries, with grand processions and elaborate celebrations at the Mysore Palace.
Amidst these diverse regional traditions, Gombe Habba—the Doll Festival—stands out in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Homes become showcases of art as intricately arranged dolls, known as bombe in Kannada, depict gods, goddesses, mythological tales, and everyday life. The themes for the dolls display change every year, and collecting dolls for this display was a matter of pride for many households back in the 90s, although the culture might be fading away slowly.
Visiting friends, relatives, and neighbours to view the dolls is a community activity during this festival. And what most of us look forward to is the 'Bombe Baagina', which is a pack of the traditional festive delights, including sweets and savoury snacks or gifts that included dolls, which one would receive when they visited people's homes to view the doll arrangement. This practice culminates on Vijayadashami, symbolising the victory of good over evil, particularly Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura.
Bombe And Bombe Baagina
Gombe Habba is more than a religious celebration; it is a tribute to the rich craftsmanship of Karnataka's artisans. Many of the dolls displayed are heirlooms, handed down through generations, representing not just the artistic skills but also the legacy of families. The themes for the dolls displays change and evolve year after year. If one season is about Indian cricket, the next would include dolls of veteran actors from the Kannada film industry. The public doll displays across some spaces in Bengaluru are famous, like the one that happens year-on-year at Garuda Mall or HMT Grounds, Bombe Mane in Mysore, Bimba Art Hut in Basavangudi, and more.
However, this may be a fading tradition as the families and homes doing the doll arrangement and display are drastically reducing in numbers along the years. Some popular public displays continue to exhibit in some places across the state of Karnataka. The dolls can be purchased in local markets in areas of Bengaluru like Basavangudi, Malleswaram, Gandhibazar, and more. The festival encourages community bonding as neighbours visit each other’s homes to admire these elaborate doll displays and exchange gifts. It is a time of shared joy, creativity, and a deep connection to the cultural heritage of the region. This blending of art, tradition, and community spirit makes Gombe Habba a truly unique and cherished aspect of Karnataka’s Dasara celebrations.
The arrangement of dolls during Gombe Habba, a key feature of Karnataka's Dasara festival, is a meticulous process rooted in tradition and creativity. With a theme decided, it forms the narrative of the arrangement, with dolls often representing mythological characters and symbolic scenes. At the heart of the display is the Pattada Gombe, a pair of prominent figures of a man and a woman or a couple, typically a divine duo like Krishna and Radha or Shiva and Parvati, placed at the top of the arrangement.
These dolls are often carved from wood and are organised on multi-level platforms, usually with nine tiers to represent the nine days of Navaratri. The most significant dolls occupy the top tiers, while supporting characters, animals, and figures from daily life are positioned on the lower levels. The display is adorned with decorations such as garlands, lamps, and lights, enhancing its visual appeal. For nine days, the display is kept alive, and on the tenth day—Vijayadashami—the dolls are respectfully taken down and stored away until the next year, concluding the festivities with grace and reverence.
The bombe baagina that contains traditional foods, dolls, and other gifts one receives during this festival may have subsided with the diminishing culture, but the traditional foods that feature during the Dussehra festival are prepared and shared with neighbours, friends, and guests at homes. The meals are something that one is eager to savour during these teatime community visits, kids especially.
Some of the traditional snacks prepared are:
Rice Nippattu Or Thatte
Rice nippattu, a delightful snack from Karnataka, is a crispy, spicy treat that's perfect for tea time. Unlike intricate murukkus or chaklis, Nippattu is made by shaping a simple dough into flat discs, making it an accessible option for home cooks. This deep-fried delicacy often incorporates roasted peanuts and chana dal, adding crunch and flavour. Whether enjoyed alone or as a side dish with rice and dal, these discs promise to elevate any meal with their satisfying crispiness.
Banana Appa
Banana appa, also known as banana paniyaram or balehannu mulka, is a traditional South Indian snack that blends sweet and savoury flavours. Made primarily with wheat flour and ripe bananas, this dish has a natural sweetness and unique taste from the bananas. Jaggery or sugar can be added for extra sweetness. Typically deep-fried, banana appa can also be prepared using a paniyaram pan, making it a delightful and versatile treat perfect for festive feasts or an evening snack.
Hurigadle Chakkuli
Hurigadle chakkuli, also known as murukku, is a traditional Indian snack that is especially popular during festive occasions like Dussehra and Diwali. Made from a delightful combination of rice flour and fried gram flour, it is seasoned with spices such as cumin and chilli powder, resulting in a light and crispy treat. The dough is extruded through a chakli maker, creating beautiful spirals that are then deep-fried until golden brown. Perfect as a tea-time snack, chakli offers a satisfying crunch and pairs wonderfully with masala chai.
Puri Unde
Puri unde, also known as murmura laddu, is a cherished traditional sweet from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Crafted from light and crunchy puffed rice (murmura) combined with jaggery, these delightful ladoos offer a lighter alternative to the denser varieties like Boondi Laddu. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward preparation, Pori Urundai is not just a tasty treat but also a healthy snack option. Perfect for festivals or as simple indulgence, they appeal to both adults and children alike.
Mysore Pak
Mysore Pak is a beloved traditional sweet from Karnataka, originating in the royal kitchens of Mysore. It is made with a simple yet indulgent combination of besan (gram flour), ghee, and sugar, resulting in a melt-in-the-mouth texture. There are two main types: the softer version, which is rich and silky, and the harder, more crumbly variant, which requires skill to perfect. Known for its rich flavour and smooth texture, Mysore Pak remains a favourite dessert, especially during festivals like Dasara.
Ambode
Ambode, a beloved masala vada from Karnataka, is a festive treat that has a crispy exterior and a soft, spicy interior. Made primarily from soaked chana dal and aromatic dill leaves, these lentil fritters are a staple in South Indian street food. While the traditional recipe shines with dill, you can experiment with coriander or mint for a personal twist. Perfect with a cup of chai, ambode is an irresistible snack that you won't be able to stop at just one!
Shavige Payasa
Shavige payasa, a delightful South Indian dessert, is a creamy vermicelli pudding that is made by roasting semiyan in fragrant ghee. This kheer embodies rich flavours that evoke warmth and nostalgia. The dish is elevated with a generous mix of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios, adding both texture and a nutty aroma. Sweetened to your taste, it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile treat.
Obbattu
Obbattu, also known as Holige or bele obbattu, is a cherished Karnataka delicacy that takes the form of a thin, sweet flatbread. Made from all-purpose flour and stuffed with a luscious blend of chana dal and jaggery, this treat is a festival favourite, especially during celebrations like Dussehra, Ganesh Chaturthi, or Diwali. Unlike its thicker Maharashtrian counterpart, Karnataka's version is rolled out delicately, allowing the sweet filling to shine.
Kadale Bele Usli
Kadalebele usli, or chana dal usli, is a delightful and nutritious snack that perfectly balances taste and health. This quick dish showcases the goodness of chana dal, offering a rich source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients like zinc and calcium. Prepared in under 35 minutes, it involves pressure-cooking the dal and mixing it with aromatic spices, mustard seeds, and fresh coriander. The addition of lemon juice gives it a zesty kick, making it a refreshing treat for any time of the day.
