Traditional Marapachi Bommai Craft Tour in Madurai

Discover the centuries-old Tamil tradition of Marapachi Bommai — the iconic wooden dolls gifted during weddings and displayed during Navaratri Golu. On this exclusive tour, you meet traditional artisans, learn their carving secrets, watch live doll-making, and even try shaping your own miniature Marapachi doll.

Itinerary – 4-Hour Plan

Pickup From Madurai

Your guide welcomes you and shares the history of Marapachi dolls—symbol of fertility, auspiciousness, and marital blessings in Tamil homes.

Visit Traditional Marapachi Artisan Village / Workshop

Arrive at a family-run artisan home known for crafting Marapachi dolls for generations.

Experience Includes:

• Introduction to the wood types (Red Sandalwood / Neem)
• Understanding doll proportions and Tamil symbolism
• Watching live hand-carving using traditional tools
• Learning about natural colouring methods
• You will see how each doll is shaped, smoothed, and polished entirely by hand.

Hands-On Mini Workshop

• Try carving a simple outline on soft wood under the artisan’s supervision.
• Activities:
• Sanding a doll surface
• Adding basic shape lines
• Understanding doll detailing
• Take home a small unfinished souvenir (optional add-on)

Painting & Dressing Demo

• Watch artisans demonstrate:
• Traditional natural dyes
• Facial detailing
• Applying kumkum, tilak & ornaments
• Draping miniature saree & dhoti
• You can try painting a tiny section if you wish.

Handmade Doll Shopping (Optional)

• Purchase original Marapachi dolls directly from artisans:
• Couple sets
• Bridal Marapachi
• Navaratri Golu sets
• Custom sizes (4 inch to 2 feet)

Drop Back

Tour ends with cultural memories, photos, and your Marapachi experience.

Tour Highlights

• Watch traditional Marapachi dolls handcrafted by expert artisans.
• Hands-on mini workshop for carving and painting wooden dolls.
• Learn cultural stories behind wedding and Golu Marapachi sets.
• Visit an artisan home preserving generations of doll-making skill.
• Buy authentic handmade Marapachi Bommai directly from artisans.

Inclusions:

• Hotel pickup & drop within Madurai city limits
• English-speaking cultural guide
• Visit to traditional Marapachi artisan workshop
• Live demonstration of carving, sanding & painting
• Hands-on mini workshop (carving & painting practice)
• Interaction with artisans and heritage storytelling
• Bottled drinking water
• Photography allowed throughout

Exclusions:

• Personal Expense
• Shopping
• Food

(Discounts available for groups or families)

Duration: 4 Hours

Destinations: Madurai

Features

• Air conditioning
• Personal Training

Location