NE SPIRITUAL BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 11
When faith rises skywards and tradition brings generations together, even a towering structure of dolls becomes a living testament to India’s spiritual heritage. Amid the gaiety of Navaratri, Chennai’s SPR City in Perambur has unveiled a spectacular 47.8-foot-tall Golu featuring more than 4,500 dolls, blending devotion, cultural splendour and a record-setting ambition in an extraordinary celebration of the divine feminine.
The installation is the centrepiece of SPR City Navaratri Utsavam 2026, a ten-day celebration running from October 11 to 20. Beyond its sheer scale, the display seeks to bring the richness of Indian traditions closer to children and young people, encouraging the next generation to discover the stories, values and symbolism preserved through the age-old Golu tradition.
- Record-Height Ambition: SPR City, Perambur, unveils a 47.8-foot Golu in an attempt to set a world record, subject to official verification
- Tradition Meets Towering Architecture: Inspired by its 47-floor residential tower, the installation transforms a cherished Navaratri custom into a spectacular cultural attraction
- Faith Finds a New Generation: More than 4,500 dolls celebrate Indian heritage, human values and the timeless spirit of devotion
- Ten Days of Piety and Festivity: Daily poojas, music, cultural programmes and family activities welcome visitors until October 20
SPR City is attempting to set a world record for the tallest Golu installation in association with the World Book of Records, London, UK. The attempt is based on height alone, with recognition subject to the organisation’s official verification. A 36.4-foot Golu created in Chennai in 2012 was previously documented by the India Book of Records.
The ambitious 47.8-foot installation draws inspiration from SPR City’s 47-floor residential tower, described by the group as Chennai’s tallest residential tower. By linking contemporary architecture with a deeply rooted festive tradition, the initiative gives the familiar arrangement of Golu dolls an extraordinary vertical dimension.
Featuring more than 4,500 dolls, the display showcases the diversity of Indian culture through traditional figurines, stories and representations of humanity. The wider Utsavam features daily poojas, cultural programmes, music and family-oriented activities, bringing devotees and visitors together in an atmosphere of gaiety, piety and community spirit.
The inauguration was attended by Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group; Navin Ranka, Director, SPR India; Prakash Mohanasundaram, Vice President – Revenue; and Balakumar Chandrasekaran, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing.
Speaking on the occasion, Hitesh Kawad, Managing Director, SPR Group, said,
“Navaratri celebrates motherhood, tradition, devotion and togetherness. The 4,500-plus Golu dolls represent different facets of humanity and the richness of Indian culture. Inspired by our 47-floor Tower H at SPR City, the 47.8-foot Golu is our attempt to take tradition and prosperity to new heights. We look forward to welcoming people from across Chennai to celebrate this unique expression of our cultural heritage.”
Navin Ranka, Director, SPR India, said,
“In Namma Chennai, every citizen is an HNI – a Highly Noble Individual. Tall towers are often associated with luxury and wealth, but our Golu celebrates a different kind of wealth: human values. For us, HNI stands for Harmony, Nobility and Inner Peace. Through this initiative, we are celebrating the richness of our traditions and the values that bring our community together.”
As the towering Golu welcomes visitors, its enduring message reaches beyond the pursuit of a record: traditions remain alive when families pass them on, children understand their meaning and communities celebrate them together. In an age of rapid change, this spectacular display offers the next generation an invitation to look beyond the dolls and discover the devotion, imagination and human values they represent.