Kids from the suburbs have now got a new getaway, as a colourful collection of exquisite dolls are now on display in Dombivli. Here is some good news for kids and avid doll-lovers. More than 130 dolls, representing diverse ethnic groups have been brought under one roof in Dombivli for display. The exclusive collection of Indian dolls is on permanent display at the Rotary Bhavan in Dombivli.Members of the Rotary club that maximum care has been taken to make them life like in their appearances. The terracotta and clay structures with their authentic dress-up, make-up and costumes, look real and stunning. The dolls are displayed in several glass showcases to house the vast variety of dolls. These dolls are made in various styles and forms like brides, bridegrooms, tribes and dances of India that include Bharatnatyam, Mohini-attam, Bhangara, Dandiya-raas, Kathakali, and Odissi will be on display.The dolls in bridal form also show a unique display of Indian culture. The dolls are decked up in fineries sourced from various States like Arunachal Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Mizoram. Dolls in the traditional attires of various tribes like the Bagdi, Bhil, Muria, Bondo, Toda, Santhal and Banjara will also be displayed. Apart from this, there is one exclusive set of dolls draped in black sarees for display.
Madhav Chikodi, secretary of Rotary Vikas Trust informs, "The basic idea of setting up this kind of museum was to create awareness about the diverse Indian culture among the visitors. All the doll exhibits have information providing exhaustive details about the background of these beautiful creations."
The doll musuem in Dombivli project is been inspired by the Dingli House in Rajkot and Shankar's Doll Museum at Delhi. Right now, it represents India but we may go global soon. "We are encouraging visitors and tourists to bring more dolls from different destinations. We are open to exchanging our Indian dolls with foreign dolls. This will have more appeal," says Dr Madhav Baitule, chairman of the trust.Apart from the Indian dolls, Japanese and Chinese dolls have given the whole collection an Asian feel.
WITH EFFECT FROM DOMBIVLIKALYAN PLUS DATED :23RD MARCH 2008 .