Pola

Pola (prevalent in Maharashtra; also known as Bendur)

1. Tithi

Depending on the regional variation, this is celebrated in Ashadha, Shravan or Bhadrapad. In Maharashtra it is celebrated on Amavasya in the month of Shravan.

2. Objectives

A. This festival is a means of expressing gratitude towards the bullocks.

B. It is believed that celebrating this festival ensures a good harvest and increases the number of cattle.

C. ‘Pola’ is a festival to perform puja and recognise the services rendered by the animals to support humans. Thus, through the
medium of the Guru, a seeker realises that the way Divine energy is active in him, so also it is active through various other mediums in the service of God. Developing this expansive perspective is the objective of this festival. – H.H. Parashram Pande Maharaj, Sanatan Ashram, Devad, Panvel.

3. Method of celebration

This festival is of great significance amongst the farmers. After sowing of seeds, the bullocks are freed from their work in the fields; they are scrubbed and bathed. Then the farmers perform their Arati, offer them Naivedya and in the afternoon the bullocks are painted and decked up and taken in a procession through the village.