Although today wood is available readily in the market, if you plan to keep it under the budget here are some options that you can use to create your own homemade stairs:

1. Is the pile of newspapers in your house overflowing? Thinking of dumping it? Wait. There is a better and an eco-friendly usage for it. Convert it into your three tier steps for your Golu. Cover the stairs with an expensive pattu saree and voila the stairs are transformed.

2. You could also make use of the extra pillows in your house to create the steps. Get special pillow covers made for this occasion.

3. If you are planning to make it big, the best bet would be to use old cartons or crates. These are easily available with most shop keepers at a minimum price.

4. You could also make use of your set of books and transform them into stairs.

5. If you plan to buy a stand and keep it for future Golus then go for a flexible book shelf that can be converted to a Golu stand when need be.

Golu Themes

Themes for Golu are no longer restricted to depicting mythology and tradition. Today the themes can extend to current movie themes or current topics of news.

"As time passes people are getting more and more innovative with their themes. I know of a family who is creating a Harry Potter themed Golu for this Navratri. The ultimate point is that whatever the story that you are trying to spin around the display, the tradition is being followed," says Mr. Subramanian.

You can also opt for festival or community themes like dance or music concerts, villages, temples, market etc.

You could also go global by including dolls representing people from different states, community, country and profession.

Since the current hot topic of discussion is India's win at the T20 World Cup, you can continue the celebrations by making that as the theme and it will be easy to put together since most props will be readily available in the market.

For example, if you plan to depict trees and forest, you can make a cut out of it with thermocol.

If you plan to make a paddy field, use a wide basin and fill it up with mud and sow wheat. In a few days time it will sprout to resemble a field. But make sure to cover the basin to give the proper effect of a field.

If you are interested in vegetable carvings you can also put them to use as a prop, like creating flower or leaf etc.

Know Your Limitations

Do not jump into the trap of getting enamoured by professional Golus. That has been created by people who have years of artistic experience.

Keep it simple. A small and well-defined Golu looks more attractive than a cluttered one with no apparent theme or idea.