The Farmer’s Best Friend: Celebrating Cows During Pola in Maharashtra

Tale: In Maharashtra, the Pola festival is a day of honor for the animals that work alongside farmers, especially the cows and bulls. Pola is celebrated at the end of the monsoon season when the fields are ready for plowing. Cows, as the farmer’s loyal partners, are given a day of rest and adoration. They are bathed, decorated with flowers, and paraded through the village, a sight that fills the air with pride and respect.

Pola is more than just a festival; it is a recognition of the cow’s enduring contribution to agriculture and rural life. It is a day when the community comes together to show gratitude to these animals that play such a vital role in their livelihood.

The Science Behind It: Cows are essential to the agricultural cycle, providing manure that acts as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil and supporting crop growth. This sustainable practice not only increases farm productivity but also helps in maintaining the ecological balance.