Compiled by: Nibandh Vinod
Last updated: Sep 13, 2023 4:22 PM IST
Pola has its origins in rural Maharashtra, where agriculture and animal husbandry have been the main occupations for centuries. (Image: Shutterstock)
Pola 2023 will be celebrated on September 14. Learn about the bull-centric festival celebrated in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. Find out the date, history, meaning, how to celebrate, rituals, wishes and greetings to share.
Pola is a traditional festival celebrated by farmers and the agricultural community in the Indian state of Maharashtra, mainly among the Marathi people. It is an important festival that honors and pays tribute to livestock, especially bulls, as they play a crucial role in agricultural activities. It is also a time for farmers to celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the new agricultural year. Here is an overview of Pola, including its history, significance, how to celebrate it, rituals and some common wishes and greetings associated with the festival.
POLA HISTORY AND MEANING
Pola has its origins in rural Maharashtra, where agriculture and animal husbandry have been the main occupations for centuries. The festival dates back to ancient times, when farmers expressed their gratitude to their livestock for their valuable contributions to agriculture.
The festival signifies the importance of livestock in farming and agriculture. Livestock, especially bulls, are considered sacred and considered the driving force behind agricultural activities such as plowing fields.
Pola is usually celebrated during the monsoon season, a crucial time for agriculture in India. It is a way for farmers to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and to ensure the well-being of their livestock.
HOW TO CELEBRATE POLA
- Cleaning and decorating livestock
Farmers clean, decorate and paint their livestock with vibrant colors, flowers and ornaments. The cattle are then paraded through the village or town as a sign of respect and appreciation. - Puja and rituals
A special puja (prayer) is held for the cattle, during which offerings such as grains, jaggery and turmeric are made. Farmers seek blessings for the health and strength of their livestock. - Celebrate
To celebrate this, families often prepare special dishes made from freshly harvested crops. It is a time for community gatherings and sharing meals with friends and family. - Cultural performances
Traditional songs and dances are performed, and sometimes there are sports competitions such as bullock cart racing and tug-of-war.
POLA 2023 WISHES AND GREETINGS
Pola cha Hardik Shubhechha! (Sincere Pola wishes!)
Pola laakho laakho shubheccha! (Countless wishes for Pola!)
Pola chi khup khup shubhechha! (Many good wishes for Pola!)
Happy Pola! May your bulls be healthy and strong, and may they bring you happiness and prosperity.
May your livestock remain strong and healthy this Pola!
Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Pola Festival!
May this Pola bring bountiful harvests and prosperity into your life!
May the blessings of Pola bring you a bountiful harvest and a happy and prosperous year.
Thank you for your hard work, my dear Taurus. You are a valuable member of our family. Happy Pola!
May your Pola celebrations be filled with joy, laughter and good food.
POLA RITUALS
- The bulls are bathed in a mixture of milk, water and turmeric. This is believed to purify them and protect them from disease.
- The bulls are decorated with flowers, garlands and bells. They are also painted with colorful patterns.
- The farmers pray for the bulls and thank them for their hard work. They also pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
- The farmers take their bulls for a walk or a procession. This is a way to show their appreciation for the bulls and also to celebrate the festival.