NEW DELHI: A giant effigy of US President Donald Trump was carried out at the centuries-old Marbat Utsav in Nagpur, as locals symbolically protested the US government’s recent 50% tariff on Indian goods.
Alongside the giant effigy, several placards carried protest messages such as: “By imposing tariffs to intimidate us, they end up regretting India’s strength," “The tariffs imposed on our goods will only ruin their business” and “American uncle imposes restrictions on India, yet ends up taking Russian products itself.”
The Marbat festival, celebrated annually in Nagpur on the second day of Pola, blends tradition, culture and social commentary.
Originating in the 19th century, the festival was initially intended to ward off evil spirits, with clay and hay effigies known as “Marbats” that represented negative forces or societal evils. Over time, the event has evolved into a platform for expressing public sentiment on contemporary social and political issues.
This year, the Trump effigy was carried, reflecting public displeasure over the tariff imposed by the US. On August 6, President Trump signed an executive order adding a 25% tariff on Indian goods to the existing 25% rate, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a significant funding source for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The festival processions, vibrant music and ritualistic burning or immersion of effigies offered residents a means to voice their discontent while maintaining the cultural essence of Marbat Utsav. Traditionally, the effigies symbolize corruption, injustice or social evils, according to the website of Maharashtra tourism.
Alongside the giant effigy, several placards carried protest messages such as: “By imposing tariffs to intimidate us, they end up regretting India’s strength," “The tariffs imposed on our goods will only ruin their business” and “American uncle imposes restrictions on India, yet ends up taking Russian products itself.”
#WATCH | Nagpur, Maharashtra | A giant effigy of 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. pic.twitter.com/KoXNaPj846
— ANI (@ANI) August 23, 2025
The Marbat festival, celebrated annually in Nagpur on the second day of Pola, blends tradition, culture and social commentary.
Originating in the 19th century, the festival was initially intended to ward off evil spirits, with clay and hay effigies known as “Marbats” that represented negative forces or societal evils. Over time, the event has evolved into a platform for expressing public sentiment on contemporary social and political issues.
This year, the Trump effigy was carried, reflecting public displeasure over the tariff imposed by the US. On August 6, President Trump signed an executive order adding a 25% tariff on Indian goods to the existing 25% rate, citing India’s continued purchase of Russian oil, a significant funding source for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
The festival processions, vibrant music and ritualistic burning or immersion of effigies offered residents a means to voice their discontent while maintaining the cultural essence of Marbat Utsav. Traditionally, the effigies symbolize corruption, injustice or social evils, according to the website of Maharashtra tourism.
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