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About Bail Pola

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About Bail Pola

Bail Pola is the day farmers in Maharashtra thank their bullocks. It falls on the new moon of Shravan, in August or September, when the fields are green after the rains. On this day the bullocks do no work at all.

The evening before, the bullocks' necks and shoulders are rubbed with turmeric and ghee to ease the strain of the yoke. On Pola morning they are bathed in the river, their horns are painted in bright colours, and they are dressed in embroidered cloths, bells, tassels and garlands.

The family offers puja to the bullocks and feeds them puran poli. In the evening the decorated bullocks walk in a procession through the village to music and drums, often to the Hanuman temple. In Vidarbha the next day is Tanha Pola, when children pull wooden bullocks from house to house and get sweets and coins.

Pola is also kept in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where children play with clay bullocks and homes make thethri and khurmi.

How people celebrate Bail Pola

  • A day of rest for the bullocks
  • Turmeric and ghee on the shoulders the evening before
  • Painted horns, embroidered cloths, bells and garlands
  • Puran poli fed to the bullocks
  • Evening procession through the village
  • Tanha Pola with wooden bullocks for children

How to wish well

  • Wishes that thank the farmer and his bullocks feel true to the day.
  • Marathi wishes are loved in Maharashtra; "Bailpolyachya hardik shubhechha" is the classic one.
  • Keep jokes kind and never at the expense of the animals.
  • For farmers and village friends, a wish for good rains and a rich harvest is perfect.

Questions about Bail Pola

When is Bail Pola 2027?

Bail Pola in 2027 falls on 31 August, the new moon of Shravan.

Why is Bail Pola celebrated?

To thank the bullocks that plough the fields all year. They are given a day of rest, a bath, decorations and a festive meal.

What food is made on Pola?

Puran poli is made and fed to the bullocks first. In Chhattisgarh homes also make thethri and khurmi.

What is Tanha Pola?

Tanha Pola is the day after Pola in Vidarbha, when children pull decorated wooden bullocks from house to house and get sweets and coins.

What do you say on Bail Pola?

Say "Happy Bail Pola". In Marathi, "Bailpolyachya hardik shubhechha".

Where is Pola celebrated?

Mainly in Maharashtra, and also in Chhattisgarh, Telangana and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka.

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