Nagpur, 21 August: The Marbat festival celebrated on the second day of Amavasya of Sawan in Nagpur, Maharashtra will be celebrated with full enthusiasm once again. Its preparations are in full swing. Like every year, this year also people are showing special enthusiasm for Marbat festival. This festival will be celebrated on Saturday.
According to Shalivahan Shak Panchang, the tradition of this Marbat festival celebrated on the second day of ‘Amavasya’ of Sawan is going on since about 150 years in Nagpur. In this age-old tradition, effigies named black and yellow Marbat and Badgya are taken out in procession in the city and burnt. It is believed that these effigies are the symbol of evils, diseases and bad customs of the society.
Kali Marbat started in the year 1881. It is linked to the incident of a woman named Bakabai of Bhosale royal family meeting the British.
Peeli Marbat was made for the first time in the year 1885, whose purpose was to get rid of the diseases spread in the city. Both Marbat Yatras start from different areas and meet at one place and move forward together. During this time people raise slogans like “Ida, Peeda, Khasi Khokla Gheun Jage Marbat!”.
Generations of sculptors carrying forward the tradition
According to Wasnik, Peeli Marbat is being taken out by Tarhane Teli Samaj Mandal of Jagannath Budhwari since 1885. Shende family and late. Sadashiv Vastad Tadikar’s generations are still active. The idol named ‘Tarun Peeli Marbat’ is being made in Juni Mangalwari for 124 years, which was started by late Kashiram Mohankar. Now his son Manohar Mohankar is carrying on this tradition.
Badgya: The tradition of Badgya has now also been added to the new tradition of Marbat, born from the imagination of children
These effigies made from paper, branches of trees and household waste were earlier made by children, which has now spread to adults. This tradition makes a satire on the evils of the society. Many mandals in the city make Badgya based on social issues and burn it.