For many adults, memories of Tanha Pola bring back images of dusty lanes, excited children and brightly painted wooden Nandis rolling through neighbourhood streets. Long before smartphones and screens took over childhood, Tanha Pola was among the most eagerly awaited festivals of the year. Even today, the excitement remains enduring. Children learn by watching elders. They imitate their parents, siblings and neighbours in countless ways. Tanha Pola, perhaps, offers the most charming example of this tradition. A day after farmers and cattle-owners celebrate Pola with decorated oxen, children step into the world of adults with their own miniature possession. Instead of real oxen, they proudly take along colourful wooden Nandis through the streets, carrying the same enthusiasm and sense of celebration.

 

Behind these cherished childhood memories stand artisans whose work often goes unnoticed. “The happiness on the faces of children during Tanha Pola gives great satisfaction to the heart,” said Pravin Shende of Aknaksha Furniture Mart. Crafting a Nandi is far from simple. Usually carved from durable sagwan or shisham (teakwood), each piece requires patience, skill and careful finishing. The family makes Nandis ranging from tiny three-inch models to impressive five-foot creations. Times have changed, and so have some techniques. Hand-painting has largely given way to spray painting, giving the Nandis a smoother finish and brighter appearance. Yet the essence remains unmatched. Despite rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles, the demand continues to thrive. Wooden Nandis from Nagpur travel far beyond local markets, finding buyers in Pune and other parts of Maharashtra.

 

“Our Nandis not only have demand in local markets, but also from Pune, and other parts of Maharashtra. We also export our Nandis,” said Prabhakar Navghare of Aniket Furniture, who makes Nandis for spreading joy among children. Every year, most Nandis are sold out days before the festival, added Navghare. As children pull their colourful Nandis through the streets, they carry more than a miniature. They carry along a tradition, a community’s memories and a craft that continues to connect generations through the simple joy of Tanha Pola.