Pola – The Bull Festival of Maharashtra

In India, there are a number of unique and varied festivals. One of such, is the festival of bull-worshiping, known as Pola. This festival is mainly celebrated by the farmers, in the Vidharbha region of Maharashtra and also in some districts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. This special occasion falls in Shravan month, the equivalent of Georgian August, on Pithori Amavasya, which is the new moon day. The term “Pithori”, comes from the phenomenon when the sky looks like wheat flour spread all over the sky.

On this day, farmers worship their bulls and show their appreciation for their cattle. The day starts with the farmers washing their bulls clean and decorating them with bright paint, and adorning them with fresh flower garlands and beautiful ornaments. As the sun sets, farmers along with their bulls, lead a procession in the village, which is accompanied by the people singing and dancing to the beat of drums. It is said that, the oldest bull goes out first with a wooden frame tied on its horns, which is known as Makhar. Then it is made to break a rope made up of mango leaves stretched between two poles, and the rest of the cattle follows the old bull’s lead. A number of sumptuous, mouth-watering dishes like Puran Poli, Karanji curry with five vegetables is enjoyed by the villagers on this occasion. Few cities also organise fairs which attracts a lot of people due to the fun and exciting competitions and games they offer. For the ones who don’t have a bull at their house, they worship the little wooden idols of bull and enjoy this unique festival in their own way.

One day prior to the festival, farmers remove the rope called vasan from the nostrils of their bulls. After that, a paste made up of ground nut oil and turmeric powder is gently applied on their shoulder, similar to how people are treated before an auspicious occasion. The day after the festival, the new season of farming starts as the farmers start to plough and sow the land anew. The festival marks the last day of the farming season in that region.

There’s a tale behind why the festival is called Pola. Once young Lord Krishna was sitting by a tree alone and he was attacked by a demon bull named Polasur. After confronting the wild bull, Lord Krishna killed him. That is why, children are also given special treatment on this day.

In India, as a significant part of the population relies on agriculture for their livelihood, the farmers realise and acknowledge the importance and significance of bulls in helping them cultivate the land, among other tasks, as many farmers cannot afford modern tools and instruments. So, to show their appreciation and gratitude, this day is held to celebrate the bulls and their importance.

This festival shows us how ancient Hindus respected their animals, including cattle. It teaches us to be gentle and kind to them, and makes us realise the importance of them in our lives. This festival is a perfect way to celebrate them and reward them with the care and unconditional love they deserve for helping the humans in many different ways.

Dahi Handi

Mumbai is famous as being one of the most culturally vibrant cities of not only the state of Maharashtra, but of all the cities of India. All festivals celebrated in this city receive equal zeal and enthusiasm. As a typical Indian b-wood audience, we’ve all heard the “Ala re ala, Govinda ala” song, and that too more than once, definitely. This song is usually in sync with the scene showing the ritual of Dahi Handi.

However, is this one typical Bollywood scene enough to know all that there is to know about the festival of Dahi Handi or is there more to it?

The festival of Dahi Handi is celebrated on the day following the day of Janmasthmi. In fact, Dahi Handi is celebrated as part of the Krishna Janmashtmi festival during the Hindu month of Shravan.

As most Hindus already know, Janmashtmi is not a recent occurrence, but has a history of many years. Many folklores have been related to the birth of Lord Krishna. One folklore states that Krishna was born to kill Kansa, the demon king of Mathura. He is believed to be a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the purpose of His existence was to establish a kingdom of peace and prosperity, and to spread the message of brotherhood and humanity.

Lord Krishna is widely worshipped, both in his childhood form as Govinda, and in his youth as Lord Krishna. The celebration of His birth usually lasts for two days. On the first day, dance performances are conducted, showing different phases of Krishna’s life. The Lord is commemorated at the end of the day, precisely at midnight, through aartis and bhajans. The second day is entirely devoted to the celebration of the ritual of Dahi Handi.

To an outsider, or a non-Hindu, this ritual might seem more like an activity, or a dangerous adventure of some sort. But this ritual holds a lot of religious significance.

The festival of Dahi Handi borrows inspiration from the experiences of Govinda, the childhood form of Lord Krishna. Govinda was notorious for stealing butter from the earthen pots left hanging in the houses of Govardhan (Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh) with the help of his friends, by forming human pyramids. It is a famous Bal Krishna Leela narrated in Puranas.

Today, most cities in Maharashtra celebrate dahi handi as a unique festival. People, who participate in the breaking of the dahi handi, or the bucket of curd or butter, are called Govindas. They form human pyramids to reach the curd/butter pots hung at a height between 20-30 feet. Sometimes, a series of pots are piled up using ropes, and each pot differs in content with the other, contents varying from curd, butter, butter milk etc. Silver coins are also tied to the pots, and are given to the winners, on reaching the pots successfully.

An added challenge is that water is sprayed on the people continuously while they try to reach the pot, in an effort to distract them. In recent years, huge monetary rewards have also come to be associated with the ritual. The higher the handi, the more rewards it holds.

This ritual of Dahi Handi was started to portray the playful and mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, and at the same time, carries a spiritual philosophy with it.

Some say that the pot is the ego that dangles in the grasp of the Samsara, while the curd or butter that forms the content is the body (or the being). The Lord breaks the pot to release the content from the binding Samsara, hence implying that it is a spiritual attempt to release ego from one’s mind.

However, even though this festival holds a lot of religious and spiritual importance, one cannot ignore the risks involved in the performance of this act.

Durva – An Essential Ingredient in Ganesh Puja

In Hinduism, we often notice that during every kind of worship, the dais of deities, where they are worshipped, is always covered with flowers. And so temple gates are lined with people selling strings and baskets of different kinds of flowers. We also have a tradition of hanging certain kinds of flowers on our doors on the day of Diwali. Moreover, mango leaves are known to play a very important role in the process of prayer.

It is interesting to know that some deities are associated with some specific flowers. Similarly, Lord Ganesha too has His favourite food and flowers. Lord Ganesha is known to be fond of modaks; flowers or leaves around him fail to leave an impression. But it would be interesting to know that offering a red hibiscus to Lord Ganesha, along with the conch flower and the milkweed flower can help you please Him easily. However, along with these flowers, legends state that Durva Grass was a special preference of this deity.

This could make one wonder, why a simple grass amongst all the beautiful flowers that the Mother Nature has blessed us with? This, too, has some stories behind it.

One story states that there was a very beautiful Apsara who fell in love with Lord Ganesha, and prayed to get married to him. Lord Ganesh, too, wanted to marry her. However, Goddess Parvati, Ganesha’s mother did not particularly like her and cursed the Apsara to be transformed into simple Durva grass, so insignificant that nobody would like her. While this could prevent the marriage between the Apsara and Lord Ganesha, this still couldn’t keep the Apsara away from the Lord, since the grass was around the Lord all the time. Another legend suggests a different story altogether.

It is said that a grand event was held in the city of Yama one day, where many dancers and fairies had come to entertain the Yamraj. During the festivities, Lord Yama fell in love with one of them, and consequently, a huge demon, Analasura, was born.

Analasura’s voice alone could make the earth tremble, and His eyes would emit fire. He was capable of destroying everything wherever He went, to the extent that He was not even fearful of the Gods. As a result, all Gods prayed to Lord Ganesha, asking Him to rescue them from the clutches of this devil. Lord Ganesha appeared as Bal Ganesha and approached the demon but the demon’s eyes emitted fire balls and destroyed the surrounds of Bal Ganesha. Seeing the tiny form of the Lord, Analasura scorned and laughed at Him but Bal Ganesh then transformed into his huge avatar of Lord Ganesha and gulped down Analasura. However, due to the sudden increase of heat in his body, the Lord collapsed to the ground. All other Lords tried their best to cure the Lord of this sudden collapse, but nothing worked. Following this, a large group of sages came with some Durva which they put on the Lord’s forehead. Due to the effect of the leaves the burning sensation in the Lord’s body subsided, and Lord Ganesh declared that a simple grass did what nothing else could do. With this, He announced that any devotion, performed with Durva leaves, would be the most pious, and the devotee would be blessed with punya which will be equal to thousands of pilgrimages and donations.

Hence, this could be one of the many reasons why Durva grass is so special in Ganesh Puja.

Some religious studies state that a minimum of 21 Durva should be offered to the Lord, after tying them up together and dipping them into the water. The entire idol of the deity, except for the face, must be covered with the Durva, in order to let the fragrance spread. Also, blossomed Durva must be avoided, and only tender ones should be used.

Seven Famous Ganesh Mandals in Pune

Ganesh Chaturthi is a widely celebrated festival, which is famous not only in Mumbai, but in the entire state of Maharashtra. The people of Pune too celebrate it with just pure bliss, exhilaration and devotion mixed with a tinge of Peshwa culture.

Following are a Few Famous Ganesh Mandals in Pune:

1. Shri Kasba Ganpati:

Established in 1893, the mandal leads the immersion procession in Pune and all other mandals follow them. During the celebrations, the idol is placed in a silver palkhi and the devotees carry it around on their shoulders.
After rounds on the palkhi, the idol of Ganpati rests on a silver throne placed in the centre of the stage. This mandal is located in Kasba Peth

2. Shri Tambi Jogeshwari Ganpati:

This mandal was also established in 1893 and is located in Appa Bulwant Chauk at Budhwar Peth and holds the honour of second Ganpati in Pune.

What makes this mandal special is that Bal Gangadhar Tilak started this mandal for the unity and social activeness during the freedom struggle, bringing everyone closer for a common cause.

3. Guruji Talim Ganpati:

This mandal is located in Ganpati Chowk, Laxmi Road and was established in 1887. It is revered as the oldest Ganesh mandal in Pune, and is honoured as the third most significant Ganpati in the city.

It is also well-known for its decorations and replicas of temples and popular monuments. Being one of the oldest mandals in the city, it adds its essence to the city and the celebrations of the widely popular festival which was undertaken to promote Hindu-Muslim unity.

4. Tulsi Ram Baug Ganpati Mandal:

This mandal was established 1901 at Tulsi Ram Baug. Honoured as the fourth significant Ganpati in Pune, it is famous for big Ganesha idols, and also holds a record of making the first Ganesh idol from fibre glass that was ever made.

5. Kesariwada Ganeshotsav Trust:

Established in 1893 at Narayanpeth Tilakwada, this trust holds honour of the fifth most magnificent Ganpati idol in Pune.

This pandal is famous for its social and cultural extravaganza conducted during the festivities for the children and enthusiasts.

6. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust:

Established in 1893 Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust is most famous and the richest mandal in Pune. A temple is built around the idol of Ganesha. The trust celebrates the festival with great zest and the same idol each year,

The festival ends with a phenomenal procession and a symbolic submersion of the idol. It is also the most revered Ganpati, not just by the people of Pune but the world over.

7. Hatti Ganpati Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal:

It is very famous for its attractive decorations and beautiful elaborate layouts. Puja and rituals are attended by dedicate devotees who never miss the celebrations organized by the Hatti Ganpati mandal.

Seven Famous Ganesh Mandals in Mumbai

Lord Ganesha is the most famous and dearly worshipped by people in India. Hence Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in the country, especially in Mumbai.

The enthusiasm of the people in the city is evident in the vibrant culture that captures every ones imagination. All pandals observe this festival do it with utmost zeal and religious fervour. However there are few, who standout in the crowd with their uniqueness – be it the size of Ganesha Murti, the cultural feast they celebrate or even the social message few of them carry. Then there are some with immense history, backed by the unshaken faith of their followers. Some of the famous Ganesh mandals in Mumbai are:

  1. Lalbaugcha Raja:

One of the oldest and most revered Lord Ganesha is Lalbaugcha Raja and is famously known as ‘Navsacha Ganpati’- The one who fulfils all the wishes. The length of this bee-line of devotees only confirms the immense faith the people bear on him.

History has it that the mandal was formed to bring the first Ganesha idol in 1934 to fulfil a vow to create the Lalbaug Market by local fishermen. It has now around 1.5 million people daily during the festival.

The design of the idol of Lord Ganesha remains same since years and now is patented and made each year by the Kambli family (of Kambli Arts) since 1953.

  2. Mumbai cha Raja:

Few lanes away from the Lalbaugcha Raja is the famous Mumbai cha Raja. Some say it lost its charm to the Lalbaugcha Raja, but it still has the ability to pull large crowds towards itself.

What makes this mandal so famous is the introduction of new themes every year, often presenting a replica of a famous place in India. The theme in 2014 resembled the ancient temple of Jejuri near Puni. This mandal was formed for the benefit of the mill workers in 1928, making it the oldest one in the area.
It is located in Ganesh Galli, Lalbaug (Central Mumbai).

   3. Khetwadi Ganraj:

This mandal was founded in 1959, but it received extreme popularity in 2000 when it made the highest Ganesha idol in Indian history, standing tall at 40 feet. What made it more spectacular was that the idol was decorated with real gold jewellery. One year, the idol studded with real diamonds.
Another attraction happens to be that while visiting this mandal, one can spot a Ganesha idol in mostly all lanes in the area.
This mandal is located on the 12th Lane Khetwadi, Girgaum (South Mumbai).

   4. GSB Seva Ganesh Mandal:

This mandal is affectionately also called ‘Mumbai’s Gold Ganesh’, the reason being that the idol is adorned with more than 60 kilograms of pure gold. Yes, pure gold!

The mandal, probably the richest in the city, was founded by Gowd Saraswat Brahmin community from Karnataka in the year of 1954. This community also conducts various social programs in the city during the time of the festival
This mandal stands out in support of environment as the idol is made of clay, therefore, making it eco-friendly. It also does not play any recorded music, but instead live music using traditional Indian musical instruments is played.
It is located in G.S.B Sports Club Ground, R.A Kidwai Road, King’s Circle, Matunga (Central Mumbai).

   5. Andheri cha Raja:

The mandal was established in 1966 by the workers of the Tobacco Company, Tata Special Steel and Excel Industries ltd.
This idol is not towering or too grand, but it has a reputation for fulfilling wishes.
A special thing about this is that it usually has a novel theme and other attractions like sand sculptures or holding carnivals.
This mandal is located on the Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar at Andheri.

  6. Girgaon cha Raja:

This mandal holds the richest Ganesh idol in Girgaon. This mandal was started in 1928 by Ramchandra Tendulkar.

  7. Ladka Lambodhar – Rangari Badak Chawl Ganpati

This mandal was first started in 1938. Last year’s idol showed the tall idol of Lord Ganesha by female devotees all around, and it was placed in a 100 feet long Pandal.

Krishna Janmashtami – Birth Festival of Lord Krishna

It’s was almost 7pm. Maya and her friends were busy ornamenting the living room of her home. Long threads of garlands made from colourful flowers dropped hanging from the wall in a wave pattern; a small table covered with red velvet cloth, miniatures of animals placed randomly on the table with the beautiful Lord Krishna’s idol in the centre. In the centre of the hall-way, a matki (earthen pot) was hanged filled with dahi, milk and coins. The milieu was filled with the aroma of the Prasad her mother-in-law was making. Soon all was done and it was time to get her son Ayush ready. And in no time, he was. Looking strikingly cute and adorable, dressed as Lord Krishna, he wandered in the room mesmerizing all. Women from the neighbourhood began to flock at Maya’s place and at around 10:30 in the night, the dancing and singing of bhajans began. With the melody of dhols and majiras, it was almost a trance like state. The clock struck mid-night and it was time of Krishna Janma. Lord Krishna was born. The milieu resonated with the sounds of ‘Nand Ghar Anand Bhayo, Jai Kainaiya Lal ki’. Little Ayush who was dressed as Krishna then was lifted up by his father so he could reach the matki, which he got it down and broke it.

What a beautiful and mesmerizing vista which is to be seen on the day of Krishna Janmashtami. Celebrated day of Ashtami of Krishna Paksh or on the 8th day of the dark fortnight Bhadon month of Hindu calendar, on a small and large scale at homes and temples across India, it marks the birthday of Lord Krishna – the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In India, there are many places like Mathura, Gokul, Dwarka and Kurukshetra that mark the presence and tell many tales of Lord Krishna. He played different roles in different stages of his life, but the most admired is his childhood.

According to the Hindu mythology, a prophecy was made that the 8th son of Vasudev and Devki will kill Kansa. He has been brutal towards his subjects. Everyone in Mathura was being oppressed by his rule. Hence Lord Krishna took birth as the saviour who would eventually kill his uncle and free everyone from his unrelenting rule. His birth is marked by victory of good over evil.

On this day, the devotees of Lord Krishna assemble in various temples or at home and celebrate his birth with joy and happiness. The Krishna puja and celebrations begins at mid night at 12. Day before the temples is beautifully decorated with lights, garlands, and their aroma is spread all around. For the entire day a range of competitions and programs are held at various places. One of the most interesting features is the display of life events of Lord Krishna in the form of “jhankis. Such displays are visually appealing at the same provide with the life history of Lord Krishna. Young children dress as Krishna to be part of costume and fancy dress competitions. All the temples have music and dances about Krishna. A lot of men and women also observe fast on this day.

When the clock struck 12, proper puja and welcome of Lord Krishna is done. The abhishekh of Lord Krishna is performed with honey, curd, milk, and Gangajal. Later he is dressed in his new dress just like a newborn baby and decorated with precious jewels and garland. The “prasand” is made of peanuts bharfi, coconut bharfi and milk. Thousands of people gather in various temples to be part of this grand event.

Janmashtami is a very important festival for all the Vaishnavites. It is celebration of welcoming and acknowledging Bal Krishna and His Leelas.

Source: https://www.wheresmypandit.com/blog/krishna-janmashtami-birth-festival-of-lord-krishna

Narali Purnima

Narali Purnima is the festival celebrated primarily by the fishermen community of Maharashtra on the full moon day of Shravan month according to Hindu calendar. This day marks the end of monsoon in this region and the beginning of the fishing activity and observed by the people living in the coastal regions of Maharashtra and South India primarily Tamil Nadu and Kerela with great fervour and zeal.

The word ‘Naral’ means coconut. The fishermen offer their prayers along with coconuts to the sea on this full moon day to seek the blessings from the sea-God, Varuna, hence the festival is known as ‘Narali Purnima‘.

The reason of celebrating this festival holds a great significance in fisher-men community. The fishermen abstain themselves from fishing for the period before this festival as it is the mating season for the fish and also due to rains. This festival marks an end to this abstinence from fishing which starts again following this day. The coconut is thrown into the sea at the high tide. It is considered as an offering and a gesture to calm the ferociousness of the sea. However, if the sea is not nearby, they visit the nearby river or pond for offering the coconut to the water body. The coconut is offered as it has three eyes and is associated with three eyes of Lord Shiva as per Hindu mythology. The fisher-men believe that after this day the direction and the strength of the wind changes to favours them.

On this day, ‘Naraali bhaat’ or Coconut rice is prepared in the homes and distributed as prasad. The whole fishermen community celebrate this day with great fervour and jubilance. They ask the Sea-God, Varuna to bless them with the fruitful fishing season ahead. Women drape themselves in Nav-vari Maharastrian saree and perform the Koli dance at the sea-side. They also decorate their boats with different colourful flags and paint them in different colours. All the fishing equipments are also worshipped as a good gesture to start off with the fishing practice from the day. It has been an occupational and seasonal festival ever since the fishing trade came in existence. The festival is also called Shravani Purnima or Rakhi Poornima. The celebration of this festival marks the end of the Shravan month according to the Hindu calendar.

Further, the festival of Raksha Bandhan is also celebrated on this day in most parts of India which revels the sweet bond between a brother and a sister. On this day, sisters tie a silk thread on their brother’s wrist and pray for their well-being while the brothers pledge to take care of their sisters in all the troubles of their life.