Trump Effigy Paraded at Nagpur Festival to Protest US Tariffs

As per tradition, the effigies are made and this time US President Donald Trump became the highlight of the centuries-old Marbat festival as people symbolically expressed their protest over US sanctioning 50% tariff on India.

Placards hung on the Trump effigies carried several messages on tariff increase. These included: "Tariff lagakar humein jo daraye, Bharat ki takat use rulaye (Those who try to intimidate us with tariffs, India's strength will make them weep)," and "Bharat se bole tum ho mere yaar, piche se karta Pakistan se pyaar (You tell India, 'You're my friend,' but secretly you love Pakistan)." Another read: "Jo humare maal per lagata diwar, uska karobar hojayega bekar (The ones who put walls on our goods, their business goes to waste)."

The centuries-old Marbat festival is celebrated in Nagpur every year during the month of Bhadrapada, with a unique cultural tradition. Renowned for its lively parades and pointed social commentary, the festival attracts thousands to the city’s streets.

The centerpiece is the procession of massive effigies known as Marbats, made from bamboo, paper, and cloth, representing malevolent forces, societal issues, or unpopular causes. Smaller effigies, called Badgyas, symbolizing demons and negative traits, accompany them.

Amid slogans, music, and traditional chants, the parades weave through the city, culminating in the burning of the effigies, signifying the dismissal of evil and the victory of good. In local tradition, it is believed that these statues absorb negativity and social evils when they are taken through the streets. Organisers often highlight different social and national issues through this festival.