Pola is a festival of the state of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh which celebrated by the farmers by the worship of the bull. The farmers decorate their bulls and on this day and then worship them to perform in the festival. It is generally a traditional village festival where they show respect to the bulls that help them in their ploughing activities.
On this special day the farmers first of all give a good bathe to their bulls and then decorate them with beautiful ornaments. Then the bulls are offered prayers by the farmers and are also given special food to eat. It is way in which the farmers show their gratitude towards the bulls for their assistance in the agricultural works. From the following day of the festival the ploughing activities are started and seeds are sown in the fields. It is a very unique festival of Maharashtra where an animal is made the focus of the occasion.
The Pola Festival is a significant cultural event in Maharashtra, celebrated with immense joy and devotion by the farming community. This festival is a tribute to the bullocks, who are the backbone of agricultural activities in rural Maharashtra. Farmers, who rely heavily on these animals for plowing fields and transporting goods, dedicate this day to express their gratitude.
Pola is not just a day of thanksgiving but also a vibrant cultural celebration that highlights the strong bond between farmers and their bullocks.
Types of Pola Festival:
Bail Pola: Celebrated by farmers to honor their bullocks.
Tanha Pola: A special festival for children, where they celebrate with wooden bullocks.
Bail Pola:literally meaning “Bullock Pola,” is a festival dedicated to the bullocks that work tirelessly in the fields. On this day, farmers across Maharashtra pause their daily agricultural activities to rest their bullocks and shower them with love and care.
Tanha Pola (Wooden Bullocks Pola for Children):
Tanha Pola is a unique extension of the Bail Pola festival, specifically for children. The day after Bail Pola, children celebrate Tanha Pola by playing with and worshipping wooden bullocks, symbolizing the real ones used by farmers. Tanha Pola date in 2024 is 3rd September.
In rural communities, Tanha Pola is a way to involve the younger generation in the festival’s traditions. It teaches children the importance of the bullocks in farming and instills a sense of respect for animals.
