Nagpur: Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) is giving the city’s 145-year-old Marbat festival a global push this year, with national and international personalities, including film actors, expected to attend the mega celebrations.Ruling party leader Narendra Borkar and standing panel chairperson Shivani Dani-Wakhare reviewed preparations at a special meeting on Wednesday. Maharashtra cultural affairs minister Ashish Shelar will perform the ceremonial puja of the traditional Kali and Pili Marbat on Sept 6.The civic body will also organise a heritage walk as part of the festival, while seeking to showcase Nagpur’s historic cultural tradition without altering the festival’s original character.Officials have been directed to coordinate security, traffic and civic arrangements. Local corporators suggested measures to improve arrangements along the procession route, including removal of overhead electrical wires and other obstructions.The NMC also plans to distribute mementos and souvenirs bearing the festival’s iconic slogan, “Eeda Pida Gheun Ja Ge Marbat”. Citizens will have to register through BookMyShow to receive the gifts.
