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Holi is almost here, and celebrations have already begun in many parts of the country. In North India, especially at places such as Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, Nandgaon and Gokul, the excitement is on another level, as these regions are famous for Braj Ki Holi.
But a video that recently surfaced online has cast a shadow over the festive mood.
The clip shows women being subjected to inappropriate behaviour during Holi celebrations, which has sparked debate online over consent.
Women Being Touched Inappropriately During Braj Holi
In the viral video, several women can be seen walking through crowded streets while colours are thrown at them. While Holi is known for playful colour-smearing, the footage appears to show some men touching women inappropriately. A few men are also seen holding women’s hands forcefully.
The women in the clip appear visibly uncomfortable. Some are seen covering their faces with dupattas. They are seemingly trying to shield themselves from both the colours and the unwanted contact.
Social Media Users Express Anger
Many users reacted strongly after watching the clip as they called out the behaviour seen in the video.
A social media user commented, “I have made sure that no female friend or family member ever goes to Braj to celebrate Holi, because the truth is, it’s not a Holi celebration, it’s outright molestation. Seen from my own eyes, the locals have zero fear of the law there. So, it’s best to avoid celebrating Holi there!!"
Another said, “The dark side of Braj ki Holi." Harassment can never be justified in the garb of religion, culture, or tradition. How can any sane person call it culture or tradition when girls are openly molested? This must be addressed strictly & stopped."
“This is Braj Holi being celebrated. Just look at the frustrated Chapris targeting girls and women in the name of the Festival. These people are a blot on India," someone else wrote.
“We celebrate Holi for colours, joy and culture, not to be touched without consent. Festival ke naam pe harassment normalise mat karo (Don’t normalise harassment in the name of a festival). “Bura na mano Holi hai" is not a free pass to cross boundaries. Respect women. Celebrate with dignity. That’s the real spirit of Holi," a person added.
A viewer replied with, “Unfortunately, Holi has now been reduced to legitimise groping and this kinda behaviour."
A woman commented, “This is the biggest reason that I have personally never liked this festival!!"
Similar Incident During Last Year’s Holi Celebrations
A comparable video had surfaced last year as well that drew attention to similar concerns. It was shared by a vlogger who had travelled to Barsana to take part in the Holi celebrations. In his video, he raised questions about the way women are frequently singled out during the festivities and subjected to lewd remarks and unsolicited physical contact.
But a video that recently surfaced online has cast a shadow over the festive mood.
The clip shows women being subjected to inappropriate behaviour during Holi celebrations, which has sparked debate online over consent.
Women Being Touched Inappropriately During Braj Holi
In the viral video, several women can be seen walking through crowded streets while colours are thrown at them. While Holi is known for playful colour-smearing, the footage appears to show some men touching women inappropriately. A few men are also seen holding women’s hands forcefully.
The women in the clip appear visibly uncomfortable. Some are seen covering their faces with dupattas. They are seemingly trying to shield themselves from both the colours and the unwanted contact.
Social Media Users Express Anger
Many users reacted strongly after watching the clip as they called out the behaviour seen in the video.
A social media user commented, “I have made sure that no female friend or family member ever goes to Braj to celebrate Holi, because the truth is, it’s not a Holi celebration, it’s outright molestation. Seen from my own eyes, the locals have zero fear of the law there. So, it’s best to avoid celebrating Holi there!!"
Another said, “The dark side of Braj ki Holi." Harassment can never be justified in the garb of religion, culture, or tradition. How can any sane person call it culture or tradition when girls are openly molested? This must be addressed strictly & stopped."
“This is Braj Holi being celebrated. Just look at the frustrated Chapris targeting girls and women in the name of the Festival. These people are a blot on India," someone else wrote.
“We celebrate Holi for colours, joy and culture, not to be touched without consent. Festival ke naam pe harassment normalise mat karo (Don’t normalise harassment in the name of a festival). “Bura na mano Holi hai" is not a free pass to cross boundaries. Respect women. Celebrate with dignity. That’s the real spirit of Holi," a person added.
A viewer replied with, “Unfortunately, Holi has now been reduced to legitimise groping and this kinda behaviour."
A woman commented, “This is the biggest reason that I have personally never liked this festival!!"
Similar Incident During Last Year’s Holi Celebrations
A comparable video had surfaced last year as well that drew attention to similar concerns. It was shared by a vlogger who had travelled to Barsana to take part in the Holi celebrations. In his video, he raised questions about the way women are frequently singled out during the festivities and subjected to lewd remarks and unsolicited physical contact.
