Bastar is the heart of Chhattisgarh, not only that it is dominantly inhabited by aborigines but also that it’s a larger showcase exhibiting different shades of the State which is known for amiable culture and colourful traditions.
‘Pola’ festival is also one of the important occasions which shows the Chhattisgarhi people’s tradition to come closer to Mother Nature. Celebrated on every Amavasya (No Moon day) of Hindi calendar month of Bhadav with traditional fervour, Pola is the festival when people establish the importance of soil and cattle wealth among their offspring, given their dependence on the farming. On this occasion, people buy oxen and other cattle heads made up of soil for their kids with a view to familiarise them with those things which would ultimately help them in future.
With the passing of time and scientific innovations rapidly spreading to rural areas as well, Pola generally losing its sheen, but Bastar is the place where tradition runs in the blood of people. This is the reason that even when youth of this area too are scaling newer heights in education year after year and excelling in operation of electronic gadgets, markets of Bastar area also are full of colourful earthen oxen, other cattle forms as well as household items to attract the kids.