Bail Pola is only one of many celebrations common to Indian culture. Farmers hold this celebration to honour the bulls that pull their ploughs, allowing them to plant crops and prepare the land for planting and harvesting.
In Hinduism, the cow is revered as a sacred creature worthy of veneration. Bail Pola is observed in the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, as well as Telangana. This day is also known as Pola Amavasya in some places.
The Hindu deities are often depicted with animal companions, such as the bull Nandi, who is Lord Shiva’s, and the cow, which is Krishna’s. Farmers in Maharashtra celebrate a holiday known as Bail Pola, or Bullock Pola, to show their appreciation for their livestock.
On the Amavasya of the Shravan month, farmers across the nation worship their livestock such as cows and bullocks as a part of their appreciation and encouragement towards them to take part in sacred rites before putting them to rest. They give the cattle baths and adorn them with bright ribbons and bells. On this day, a lively procession is held to honour the religious animals with the accompaniment of drums, dhols, and other instruments. The day is spent honouring the cows and animals that have long served as the backbone of farms throughout.
It was on this date that a young Krishna slew the demon Polasur. On this special day, we pause to remember the importance of both children and animals.
For this joyous celebration, bulls get morning oil massages after being washed clean. Farmers in Maharashtra dress their bulls up for a procession by decorating them with shawls, flowers, bells, and other decorations. Farmers celebrate this day by lavishing extra attention on the livestock that provides the bulk of their income. The oxen are given a day off from work and are able to chill out on Bail Pola. The traditional Maharashtrian dish Puran Poli is being made for the celebration. After the holy parade of the cattle, people go door-to-door and meet each other, while also decorating their homes with torans and rangolis, preparing puja thalis, and feasting on the deliciously prepared specialities. To perform the aarti of the livestock, ghee is also used to light the earthen lamps. For the festival, the kids also make wooden sculptures of bulls. As a result, the people of Maharashtra celebrate Bail Pola with great jubilation to recognise the value of cattle to their way of life.