Nandi bull decoration contest brings festive cheer to Ghuggus on Tanha Pola

The Tanha Pola festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Ghuggus. To mark the occasion, which expresses gratitude towards bulls and reflects farming culture, the Tanha Pola Organising Committee, Ghuggus, and the Bharatiya Janata Party held a nandi bull decoration contest at Gandhi Chowk, aiming to introduce the younger generation to traditional culture.

Children who took part in the contest decorated their nandi bulls using their own creativity, with various colours, flowers, traditional clothes and attractive materials. The children entered the contest enthusiastically carrying their decorated bulls, and the joy on their faces lent a festive colour to the Gandhi Chowk area.

A large number of local residents gathered to watch the contest. The attractive decorations, traditional arrangements and the enthusiasm of the children created a festive atmosphere across the area. Parents too encouraged their children and took part enthusiastically in the event.

Speaking on the occasion, corporator Vivek Bodhe said Tanha Pola is not merely a tradition but a culture rooted in the local soil and an emotion tied to farming life. He said that in today's digital age, it is necessary to organise such initiatives to keep children connected to their soil, culture and traditional festivals. He added that such programmes create love, pride and affection for their culture among children.

The event was attended by corporator Vivek Bodhe, police inspector Prakash Raut, organising committee president Ganesh Kutemate, Shiv Sena city president Mahesh Donge, Surendra Bhongale, Satish Bonde, and Prayas Sakhi Manch president Kiran Bodhe, among other dignitaries.

Winners of the contest were felicitated with prizes by the dignitaries present. Janhavi Save won the first prize of 2,001 rupees, while Ansh Koyadwar won the second prize of 1,501 rupees. Reansh Bobde won the third prize of 1,001 rupees, Mohit Bobde the fourth prize of 701 rupees, and Mayank Ghate the fifth prize of 501 rupees. Winners were also presented with mementos. Notably, every child who took part in the contest was given a consolation prize, which brought smiles to all the children's faces.

This is the ninth consecutive year of the nandi bull decoration contest in Ghuggus. For the past nine years, the organising committee has worked to preserve traditional culture and introduce children to festivals and traditions on the occasion of Tanha Pola. Residents praised the initiative for carrying the importance of traditional festivals forward to the next generation amid changing lifestyles.

The programme was compered by Shankar Nagpure, while Sanjay Bhongale proposed the vote of thanks. Members of the organising committee put in special effort to make the event a success.