Nagpur’s Marbat tradition, which has been celebrated for 145 years, commenced on Sunday. State Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar led the puja for the Kali and Pili Marbat. This event marks a significant effort by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to enhance the visibility of the city’s unique cultural heritage on national and international platforms. The main Marbat procession is scheduled for September 11.
State Plans to Promote Traditional Festivals
The Marbat tradition aims to eliminate negative practices, diseases, and misfortunes within the community. In response, the state’s cultural affairs department, led by Shelar, has announced intentions to preserve and promote traditional festivals that engage significant public participation.
Mayor Neeta Thakre said Marbat and Badgya were not merely festivals but symbols of removing evil, negative forces and crises from society and taking Nagpur towards greater progress. She said the police and civic administration were working in close coordination and appealed to citizens to contribute towards eliminating negative forces and creating positive energy. As part of initiative, representatives of various countries, prominent personalities and actors from Marathi and Hindi film industries are being invited for the event. CM Devendra Fadnavis, union minister Nitin Gadkari, guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, minister of state Ashish Jaiswal and all MPs and MLAs are also being invited.