Pola is a traditional festival celebrated by farmers and the agricultural community in Maharashtra, primarily among the Marathi people. This year it is being celebrated today on Thursday, September 14. It is an important festival that honours and pays homage to cattle, particularly bulls, as they play a crucial role in farming activities. It is also a time for the farmers to celebrate the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of the new agricultural year. Here’s an overview of Pola, including its history, significance, how to celebrate it, rituals, and some common wishes and greetings associated with the festival.
POLA 2023 WISHES AND GREETINGS IN MARATHI AND ENGLISH
सर्व शेतकरी बांधवांना, बैल पोळा सणाच्या, हार्दिक शुभेच्छा!
आला सण बैल, पोळ्याचा..!, बैल राजाच्या कौतुक, सोहळ्याचा..! Happy Pola.
Pola cha Hardik Shubhechha! (Heartfelt Pola wishes!)
Pola laakho laakho shubheccha! (Countless wishes for Pola!)
Pola chi khup khup shubhechha! (Lots of good wishes for Pola!)
Happy Pola! May your bulls be healthy and strong, and may they bring you good luck and prosperity.
May your cattle stay strong and healthy this Pola!
Wishing you a prosperous and joyous Pola festival!
May this Pola bring abundant harvests and prosperity to 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 bull. You are a valuable member of our family. Happy Pola!
May your Pola celebrations be filled with joy, laughter, and good food.
POLA HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE
Pola has its origins in rural Maharashtra, where agriculture and cattle rearing have been the primary occupations for centuries. The festival dates back to ancient times when farmers would express their gratitude to their cattle for their valuable contribution to agriculture.
The festival signifies the importance of cattle in agriculture and farming. Cattle, especially bulls, are considered sacred and are believed to be the driving force behind agricultural activities like plowing fields.
Pola is usually celebrated during the monsoon season, which is a crucial time for farming in India. It is a way for farmers to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest and to ensure the well-being of their cattle.
HOW TO CELEBRATE POLA
- Cleaning and Decorating CattleFarmers clean, decorate, and paint their cattle with vibrant colors, flowers, and ornaments. The cattle are then paraded through the village or town as a mark of respect and appreciation.
- Puja and RitualsA special puja (prayer) is conducted for the cattle, where offerings like grains, jaggery, and turmeric are made. Farmers seek blessings for the health and strength of their cattle.
- FeastingFamilies often prepare special dishes made from freshly harvested crops to celebrate. It’s a time for community gatherings and sharing meals with friends and family.
- Cultural PerformancesTraditional songs and dances are performed, and sometimes, there are sports competitions like bullock cart races and tug-of-war events.
POLA RITUALS
- The bulls are bathed in a mixture of milk, water, and turmeric. This is believed to purify them and protect them from diseases.
- The bulls are decorated with flowers, garlands, and bells. They are also painted with colourful patterns.
- The farmers offer prayers to the bulls, thanking them for their hard work. They also pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
- The farmers take their bulls out for a walk or a procession. This is a way of showing their appreciation for the bulls and also to celebrate the festival.
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