In 2017, Nagpur hosted its first WordCamp, which was a great success. Among the various contests held, one was for designing a mascot. Choosing the final design was challenging, but we eventually selected one. Although the mascot’s name wasn’t officially announced, it was shared informally as HaoBhau. Here are the details about HaoBhau.
Nagpur residents, or Nagpurkars, are known for their strong sense of brotherhood, often referred to as “bromance” and following the “bro code.” In Nagpur, “bro” is affectionately referred to as “bhau,” the Marathi word for “brother.”
The local dialect in Nagpur is unique and has its own dictionary. In Nagpur, “Hao” is a blend of two words: “Haa,” meaning “yes” in Hindi, and “Ho,” meaning “yes” in Marathi. The phrase “Hao Bhau,” meaning “yes, bro,” is widely used in Nagpur. Thus, the mascot was named HaoBhau.
The WordCamp Nagpur 2017 mascot represented the people of Nagpur holding one of the city’s famous monuments, the Zero Mile Stone, the central point of India. HaoBhau was depicted enjoying the monsoon with an umbrella. The credit for designing this Wapuu goes to Mukul Chaturvedi from Buzo Media Services, representing a happy camper in India’s first monsoon WordCamp of 2017.
The Wapuu for WordCamp Nagpur 2018 is a nature lover and environmental activist, who enjoys exploring the jungles of Tadoba, Kanha, and Pench – well-known forest reserves in India. That year, HaoBhau was depicted in jungle gear.
In 2019, the Wapuu theme focused on celebrating the spirit of industrial innovation and the do-it-yourself (DIY) culture. This Wapuu was designed to resemble an industrious character, complete with a hard hat, tools, and a determined expression, symbolising the entrepreneurial spirit and the hands-on approach to problem-solving.
In 2022, the post-covid WordCamp Nagpur took a nostalgic turn by showcasing all the previous Wapuus. This special edition celebrated the rich history of the event and the evolution of its mascots over the years.
In 2024, the theme is “Startup India,” reflecting the country’s vibrant and rapidly growing startup ecosystem. This Wapuu is depicted carrying a flag that reads “Startup India,” symbolising the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation that is sweeping across the nation. Meet him and click selfies with him at WordCamp Nagpur 2024.
Special Mention: Thank you Sanskar Mange for 2024 Version of Wapuu.