The historical Marbat Festival of Central India is all set to be a low-key affair this year too. The unique tradition, which entered in 136 year, was not celebrated with pomp, shos and enthusiasm since last year due to Covid pandemic.
This was informed by Prakash Gaurkar one of the organizing committee member.
Gaurkar said, “we are under corona virus pandemic because of which the usual procession has been cancelled to avoid gathering of people. After performing the rituals the effigies will be immersed in Naik Talav. We will perform all the necessary rituals under the supervision of office bearers of the organising committee, and in presence of a limited number of people. This is necessary as per Covid protocols set by civil administration.
“We have requested to the government to allow the celebrations. The Marbat procession began in 1885 to protest against the British and is celebrated only in Nagpur City. It is a major attraction at the end of the holy month of Shravan. The Teli community would take small dolls out in procession on the second day of Pola. These dolls would be representative of all the diseases and evil spirits that people believed pestered them. The day is aloso considered to be end of monsoon, during which several diseases are caused, due to carrying vectors like mosquitoes and house flies. The day also marks beginning of healthy season.
The purpose of this festival is to destroy the bad things in the society and to promote the good things. It is believed that the Pili Marabat is a symbol of goodness and the Kali Marabat is of the culture.
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