The bull was the star of the show yesterday, August 28, in farm homes across rural Maharashtra. Bail Pola (also Bel Pola), celebrated on August 28 across Maharashtra, is a fashion parade for bulls.

On Bail Pola, celebrated on a new moon day during the month of Shravan (August), Maharashtrian farmers give their bulls the day off. The plough and yoke are put away. No tilling happens.

The farmers then get down to washing the stubborn critters at their wells, before decorating the bels with coloured powder, balloons, flowers, mirrors and painting their horns.

The bull is worshipped on Bel Pola and the country backroads are crowded with decked up bulls being taken to the nearest local temple.  

Often fairs are held on Bail Pola. Bulls get a special meal. And Puran Poli is on the menu for its owners