Clay murtis (idols) of Hindu gods and goddesses are widely displayed during the Navratri festival. Vilachery Village near Madurai is famous for making clay murtis of Hindu gods and goddesses. The potters here have been making clay dolls for centuries. The Hindu writes “Though just 15 kilometres from Madurai , not many of the city people would have visited Vilachery,” notes Valli Annamalai, who spearheaded the project under the Crafts Committee of INTACH Madurai. “It is a different world out there, where the earth is accorded much importance. People revere mud as God,” she says, “Out of the pancha-bhootas (five natural elements), earth is the easiest to feel and handle.” “We were excited to meet the oldest potter Sadasivam, who introduced Golu dolls to Vilachery,” says Reshma. “Potter Sadasivam had learnt the craft from Muruga Bhattar, who set up one of the first Golu doll shops in the city, near North Tower .” “The kuyavar or Kuzhala community were patronised by the K