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Pola
 The harvest fair is celebrated by farmers all over Maharashtra. On this day bullocks, which are an integral part of the agricultural chores and consequently the village economy, are honored. They are bathed, colorfully decorated and taken out in processions across the village, accompanied by the music of drumbeats and lezhim (a musical instrument made of a wooden rod and an iron chain full of metallic pieces). Pola brings out an important facet of Hindu culture, which does not look upon cattle as mere beasts of burden, but treats them with dignity and gratitude.
Bulls are washed and decorated for a nice look. The farmers offer them worship and provide special food on the day. They are then taken out to a procession across the village, accompanied by the tune of drumbeats and lezhim (a musical instrument made of a wooden rod and an iron chain full of metallic pieces). Pola is the unique facet for the Hindu culture that marks respect to cattle. |
