The festival of Holi, meant to symbolise joy and unity, once again turned into a day of fear and violation for many women as alarming reports of harassment flooded social media. Instead of vibrant celebrations, the day was marred by disturbing incidents of non-consensual advances, inappropriate touching, and forceful smearing of colours, sparking outrage and renewed calls for action.

Shocking Incident in Barsana Goes Viral

One of the most horrifying cases emerged from Barsana, Uttar Pradesh, where a viral video captured men aggressively manhandling women under the guise of Holi celebrations. The footage, widely circulated online, depicted women being forcibly pulled, smeared with colors against their will, and even subjected to attempts to strip their clothing—all while the perpetrators laughed and cheered. According to The Economic Times, the shocking visuals sparked nationwide outrage, with many questioning the authorities’ failure to intervene and protect the victims.

Social Media Flooded with Testimonies

Social media platforms were inundated with testimonies from women who faced harassment during Holi, with videos surfacing that showcased men openly violating women’s personal space. Users brazenly recorded and shared clips of non-consensual acts, exposing the deeply ingrained culture of impunity surrounding Holi-related harassment. The phrase “Bura na mano, Holi hai” (Don’t mind, it’s Holi) was repeatedly weaponised to justify such misconduct, leaving many women traumatised and helpless.

Countless women recounted their experiences on social media of being grabbed, groped, and forcefully smeared with colors in public spaces. The fear of such attacks led many to stay indoors, highlighting the grim reality that for many women, Holi is not a festival of joy but a day of caution and distress.

Warnings Ignored, Authorities Questioned

Despite pre-festival advisories from universities, workplaces, and law enforcement agencies emphasising the need for respectful celebrations, these warnings were largely ignored.

The Delhi Police had deployed over 25,000 personnel to curb misbehaviour and ensure women’s safety. However, the widespread reports of harassment underscored glaring gaps in enforcement. Many questioned whether authorities are doing enough to deter offenders, as such violations persist year after year.

OAS Incident: Japanese Woman Harassed in Delhi

In a particularly disturbing case, on March 8, 2023, a Japanese woman was harassed and groped by a group of men in Delhi during Holi. The incident, which was captured on video and widely shared on social media, showed the woman being forcefully smeared with colors and dragged around against her will. The footage sparked outrage, leading to the arrest of three individuals.

The case highlighted not just the dangers women face during Holi but also the normalisation of such behaviour in public spaces. Despite swift police action, the incident underscored the persistent issue of harassment during the festival, raising concerns about whether enough is being done to protect women.

Growing Demand for Stricter Action

The escalating pattern of Holi-related harassment has reignited demands for stricter regulations and cultural shifts in how the festival is celebrated. Women’s rights activists on social media have called for stronger legal repercussions against those who exploit the occasion to violate boundaries, as well as more extensive public awareness campaigns to challenge the normalisation of such behaviour.

As Holi celebrations fade, the scars of these experiences remain. Women across the country are left asking—when will their safety stop being compromised in the name of tradition?