Nagpur: As September 3 approaches, the citizens of Nagpur are preparing once again to drive out societal evils through the vibrant celebrations of the Marbat and Badgya festival. This unique event, held on the second day of Pola, is a cherished tradition exclusive to Nagpur and has been celebrated for over a century. Preparations are already in full swing at Marbat Chowk in Budhwari, where artisans are busy crafting the iconic effigies of ‘Kali’ and ‘Pili’ Marbats.
On the day of the festival, the streets of East Nagpur will resonate with the powerful chants of “Eeda, peeda gheun jaa ge Marbat” (Take away all social evils and human miseries), as the Kali and Pili Marbat effigies, along with the famous Badgyas, make their way through the city. These effigies symbolize the collective anger and frustration of the people against the evils that plague society, whether it be rising prices, unpopular government decisions, or other current issues.
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The Kali Marbat rally will start from Nehru Putla, while the Pili Marbat procession will begin from Jagnath Budhwari, both eventually converging at Nehru Putla Square. Thousands of Nagpurians are expected to take to the streets to witness the spectacle, which culminates in the burning of the effigies, symbolically ridding the city of evil forces.
This year, as in years past, the festival will continue to serve as a powerful expression of the city’s resolve to combat the various challenges facing society. The Marbat and Badgya festival has become an integral part of Nagpur’s identity, representing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Vidarbha.
These two effigies, symbolizing the collective anger of the common people against societal injustices like rising prices, unpopular government policies, and other grievances, are set to capture the city’s attention.
Artisans have been hard at work creating the symbolic effigies, which will be showcased in a grand rally. The procession begins at Nehru Putla for the Kali Marbat and from Jagnath Budhwari for the Pili Marbat, drawing thousands of Nagpurians to the streets.
The festival, which dates back over a century, takes place after ‘Tanha Pola,’ a day when rural communities in Maharashtra honour their bulls for their agricultural contributions. On this day, gigantic female effigies, or Marbats, will be carried through the narrow lanes of Nagpur’s old city, starting from their creation sites and culminating at Nehru Putla Square. The spectacle is accompanied by music, dance, and, ultimately, the burning of the effigies to ward off evil forces.
This lively and traditional event continues to be a defining part of Nagpur’s cultural identity, embodying the spirit of Vidarbha and preserving a rich heritage that has endured for generations.
