The gaathla, also known as the mangalsutra, is a long necklace with multiple strands of black beads interspersed with gold (on the right). The mangalsutra is an essential piece of jewellery for married women, worn from the day of their wedding throughout their married life. There are two versions: a simpler one (on the left) for daily use and a longer, more elaborate one for special occasions and festivals (on the right).
A woman adorns the mangalsutra alongside a Lakshmi Haar. The Lakshmi Haar, as its name implies, is a long necklace featuring circular designs embossed with the image of the Goddess Lakshmi, a symbol of wealth, fertility, and prosperity.
The common religious decoration in Koli households is the placement of a small image of Lord Ganesha over the main doorway. It is believed that placing Lord Ganesha's presence at the doorway brings harmony and prosperity into the house.
A purna kalasha, a pot filled with mango leaves and coconut, adorns a Koli household. This auspicious symbol serves as a ceremonial offering to the household deity, as well as a decorative motif outside shrines and at the entrances of homes.
Some houses have retained the open space at the front, though others have converted it into an extended portion of the living area. The open design ensured maximum airflow and natural light, creating a salubrious living environment.
An elevated platform in front of the entrance is a common design element in many Koli houses. People used this space for a variety of activities, such as socialising with neighbours and purchasing produce from mobile vendors.
Typically, bigger houses featured a central courtyard. The open design ensured maximum airflow and natural light, creating a salubrious living environment.