Nagpur, widely known as the “Orange City” and famous for its delicacy tari poha, Orange barfi has another unique identity that sets it apart: it is the only city in India that celebrates the Marbat festival. Recognised by the State Development Tourism Board, Nagpur has preserved this tradition of Marbat for many years, making it a distinctive part of the city’s culture. Let’s delve into the rich history of this celebration.
Picture credit my brother Rajat Jangle
What is the Marbat Tradition?
The Marbat festival is a historic legacy passed down through generations in Nagpur. Every year, the day after the Bail Pola festival, two grand processions of Yellow Marbat and Black Marbat along with Badgas (giant effigies) are taken out with great fanfare. This tradition has been followed for the past 143 years, giving Nagpur international recognition for this unique festival. Except for during the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival has never been interrupted. Even during trying times like the plague of 1897 and communal riots in 1927, the Marbat procession continued without hindrance.One of the fascinating aspects of the Marbat festival is the creation of Badgas, or large effigies, which symbolise and comment on significant events—both good and bad—that have occurred throughout the country in the past year. Due to these remarkable features, people from not only Nagpur but also nearby states gather in large numbers to witness this spectacle and participate in the festivities.
What is the Yellow Marbat?
Picture credit my brother Rajat Jangle
This picture taken with my Samsung s20 fe 5g.
During British rule, people were heavily oppressed and desired freedom from foreign domination. In 1885, in the Jagannath Budhwari area of Nagpur, the community set up the Yellow Marbat Festival Committee to express this yearning for liberation and break the shackles of colonial rule. This tradition, which started back then, continues to this day, and the Yellow Marbat holds special significance for the people of Nagpur.
What is the Black Marbat?
Picture taken with my Samsung s20 fe5g.
The Black Marbat tradition began in 1880 and holds an equally significant historical background. For the past 143 years, the Shree Devasthan Panch Committee has organised the Black Marbat procession from the Nehru Statue in the Itwari area. The first to celebrate the Black Marbat was Appaji Marathe.During the pre-independence era, India was under British rule, and the population was suffering from the tyrannical actions of the British. At that time, Bakabai of the Bhonsle royal family formed an alliance with the British. To protest against this collaboration, the Black Marbat procession has been taken out since 1881. The effigy of Black Marbat is kept at the Hanuman Temple near the Nehru Statue.
In essence, the Marbat festival of Nagpur is a celebration steeped in history and social commentary, reflecting the people’s spirit, their fight against oppression, and their continued dedication to this unique tradition.
Picture credit my brother Rajat Jangle
