Preparations for one of the most famous festivals Holi – which is just a few days away – are in full swing across the country. There is already a festive atmosphere in several places, and the streets are full of colors, welcoming both locals and tourists to the early celebrations.
The Braj district of Uttar Pradesh is well known for its extensive Holi celebrations. This place is famous for ‘Braj Ki Holi’ which attracts thousands of visitors every year. This area is deeply associated with the life and legends of Krishna and events like Lathmar Holiand Phoolon ki Holi. Important cities in the Braj region are Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon and Gokul, where large numbers of people congregate during the festival season.
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However, several alleged videos circulating online have shifted the focus from the celebratory merriment to security risks, even as preparations are still underway. The clips, which are being widely circulated on social media, show women being molested during Braj Holi celebrations. This led to widespread uproar on social media.
In one of the videos, women are seen moving through densely packed streets while colors are thrown into the air during the celebrations. While both men and women participate in the festivities, some men are seen groping in the crowd of women. Several individuals are also seen grabbing women by their hands and pulling their clothes. Several women are seen covering their faces with dupattas, seemingly trying to protect themselves not only from the colors but also from unwanted physical contact.
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Social media users are expressing outrage
The video drew strong reactions from social media users, many of whom criticized the behavior shown in the footage. One person commented: “This is not a celebration, this is abusive and criminal behavior. No festival or ritual justifies such behavior. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable.”
Another wrote: “The dark side of Braj Ki Holi.”
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Our humble advice to women: please stop
to go to Barsana and Vrindavan to witness Holi there. Stay away if people are just looking for an excuse to harass women.
Chanting “Bura Na Mano Holi Hai” must not be used to justify harassing women.
Another user said: “Beautiful culture sarrrrr. We worship women sarrrrr. 5000 years old sarrrrr.”
See how they target specific parts of women’s bodies.
Dear women, avoid visiting Braj during Holi. I say this as a guy who was born and brought up in Mathura village.”
Several users emphasized that Holi should remain a celebration of colour, culture and joy, not a fear-inducing occasion. “We celebrate Holi for colour, joy and culture which cannot be touched without consent. Festival ke naam pe harassment normalize mat karo (Don’t normalize harassment in the name of festival). ‘Bura na mano Holi hai’ is not a free pass to cross borders. Respect women. Celebrate with dignity. That is the true added spirit of Holi.”
Read also | Liquor shops in Maharashtra will remain closed on Holi, Muharram, Gandhi Jayanti
Debate on responsibility and public spaces
As the debate intensified, some users suggested that women should avoid crowded Holi gatherings. However, many strongly opposed this view, arguing that the responsibility should not fall on women, but on those who commit misconduct. They emphasized that public spaces are for everyone and that placing the blame on women ignores the real problem.
One woman commented: “The audacity of people to still think that these women should stay at home to avoid such accidents is loud. Another added: ‘And they will say who asked women to go to an event and crowded places and who asked them to wear such clothes.’
Similar concerns have been raised in previous years
This is not the first time that similar concerns have surfaced on the Internet. In previous years, videos and discussions highlighting inappropriate behavior during Holi celebrations have also sparked similar debates about safety and liability.
(Disclaimer: This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.)
