Nagpur: The sunrise on Monday, September 2 heralded the rare bonhomie between the man and animal. Nagpur witnessed a vibrant celebration of Pola as farmers gathered to honour their most loyal companions — the bulls (bails). With the first light of dawn, farmers prepared to express their gratitude to these steadfast animals that play a crucial role in their agricultural work. The Pola festival, a traditional event marked by fervour and joy, brought out the deep bond between man and animal in all its colourful glory.
As the day unfolded, farmers began by lovingly bathing their bulls, a gesture of care and respect. The animals were then adorned with ornaments, with their horns painted in bright, flashy colours, and their necks draped with garlands of vivid flowers. The bulls, enjoying a well-deserved day of rest, became the centrepiece of a lively procession. Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of dhol tasha and joyful dancing, the farmers celebrated their indispensable partners in farming.
The Pola festival drew hundreds of participants, all eager to join in the festivities. The bulls, revered for their hard work throughout the year, were worshipped and offered a variety of delicacies. Among the offerings, the traditional Maharashtrian sweet, Puran Poli, was a highlight, bringing delight to both the farmers and their cherished animals.
Pola is a thanksgiving festival celebrated primarily in Maharashtra, where farmers acknowledge the vital role that bulls play in agriculture. The celebrations extended beyond the fields, with homes in the villages beautifully decorated with rangolis and torans. As the bulls returned from the procession, they were greeted with ceremonial reverence by family members, who performed puja and aarti with an earthen lamp lit with ghee, marking the culmination of the day’s events.
The Pola festival not only showcases the rich cultural traditions of the region but also reinforces the enduring relationship between farmers and their faithful companions, the bulls, who are so integral to their livelihood.
