On 11 September 2026, Nagpur GPO celebrated Tanha Pola through philately, highlighting one of Vidarbha’s distinctive folk traditions. A Picture Postcard and Special Pictorial Cancellation dedicated to the festival were released on the occasion.
This is exactly why I enjoy philately. A simple piece of paper can introduce us to the culture, traditions and stories of a place we may have never experienced otherwise.
The philatelic issues were released by Shrimant Mudhoji Raje Bhosale. The programme was attended by senior officials of India Post, including Dr. Sudhir Jakhere, Director of Postal Services, Nagpur Region; Shri Hamilpur Sharat Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagpur City Division; Shri Sujitkumar Landge, Senior Postmaster, Nagpur GPO; Shri Vilas Bhoge, Senior Postmaster, Nagpur City HO; and Shri Jayant Daoo, Assistant Director of Postal Services, Nagpur Region. Postal officials, philatelists and other invited members were also present.
A Festival Closely Linked with Vidarbha
Tanha Pola is celebrated particularly in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, including Nagpur. It follows the main Bail Pola festival, which honours bullocks for their important role in farming and rural life.
Tanha Pola carries this tradition to children. Decorated miniature or wooden bulls mounted on wheeled platforms form an important part of the celebration. The tradition helps introduce younger generations to agriculture, livestock and the cultural significance of the bull in rural Maharashtra.
The accompanying postcard also records the traditional association of Tanha Pola in Nagpur with Raghuji Bhonsle II and the year 1789.
The Special Cancellation
The cancellation issued at Nagpur GPO – 440001 on 11 September features a charming illustration of a decorated bull standing on a wheeled platform. The same visual theme appears prominently on the colourful Picture Postcard, giving the two philatelic items a strong connection.
The postcard and cancellation together document not only the festival but also a very recognisable element of Nagpur and Vidarbha’s cultural identity.
A Travelled Piece for My Collection
I was particularly interested in obtaining the cancellation on an actually travelled postal article. The cover was dispatched from the Philatelic Bureau, Nagpur GPO through Speed Post, allowing the pictorial cancellation to remain connected with a genuine postal journey.
It combines the festival, the postal issue and its actual movement through the postal system.
Closing Notes
I personally liked the simple yet colourful postcard and the clean, clear postmark. The design is easy to understand and represents the festival well.
Collectors interested in themes such as traditions, culture, children, rural life or folk celebrations will likely find this an interesting addition to their collection.
