Marappachi dolls also known as Marappachi Bommai, are traditional Dolls made specifically of Red Sandalwood or Silk Cotton-Wood or Red Wood. They are displayed during the Golu Festival in South India as part of Dassara or Navaratri Celebrations. Tirupati is one of the locations it is specially ornamentally Carved, and the dolls are stated to represent Venkateshwara and his Consort. They are also made in Kondapalli as Raja Rani Dolls which are a Compulsory Display during the Golu Festival. These Dolls made in pairs generally of Male and Female. Marappachi Dolls are a hereditary gifts from Mother to Daughter when the latter starts her Bommai Kolu arrangements. The significance of this particular gift made of Marappachi Doll in Red Sandalwood is stated to be the Medicinal quality of the Wood. When a child licks this plaything made of Red Sandalwood, the Child Saliva derives an extract of the Wood which the child absorbs into its system.
