Tanha Pola festival, festival of wooden bulls by children, is dedicated to the cows and ox and is
observed mainly in Maharashtra and parts of Madhya Pradesh the day after Shravan
Amavasya (no moon day in Sawan month) as per traditional lunar calendar in
Maharashtra. Tanha Pola 2025 date is August 23 and August 24. Farmers pay respect to
bullocks and cows on the day as cattle is their main source of livelihood.
In Nagpur and other regions in Vidarbha, a wooden replica of
the bull is taken around the streets.
Children also make small replica of bulls and place it near the streets.
An elaborate worship (puja) is performed on the replica of
bulls made by children and adults in Nagpur.
King Raje Raghuji Bhonsle-II of Nagpur started the Tanha
Pola in 1806 AD for children. The main aim was to make children aware of the
importance of livestock and agriculture activity which is the backbone of the
region.