As the festival of Holi unfolds with vibrant colours and joy, the small towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh are at the heart of the celebrations, drawing thousands of people eager to participate in the tradition. The festival begins long before the official date of Holi, with devotees arriving from across the country to partake in the spirited festivities, marked by the famous Lathmar Holi, where men and women engage in playful colour battles.
However, amidst the exuberant celebration of colours, disturbing incidents of misconduct toward women have surfaced, casting a shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion. In a troubling turn of events, several individuals have reported inappropriate behaviour and harassment, particularly targetting women during the festival.
A recent video shared by actor and blogger Tushar Shukla sparked outrage and drew attention to these incidents. In the video, Shukla, who was visiting Barsana to join in the celebrations, expressed his concern over the conduct of certain individuals during the Holi festivities.
In the video, he can be heard questioning why women are often the primary targets of lewd behaviour, including unsolicited and inappropriate physical contact. Shukla remarks, “Today I went to play Holi in Barsana. Everything was great, it was fun. But I have a question – do only girls go to play Holi in Barsana? Why are they directly targetted in such an indecent manner? Men also come, so why not engage with them?”
In the video, Shukla highlighted disturbing scenes of men harassing women as they walk down the streets, with some individuals even shouting crude remarks like “Make them wet” from behind. The video quickly went viral, with viewers expressing their anger and disbelief at the behaviour captured on film.
Shukla clarified that the issue was not confined to locals but also involved outsiders who came to participate in the festival. He urged participants, both from Barsana and beyond, to respect the sanctity of the celebration. “I am not saying that only locals are responsible. Outsiders are also involved in this. But I have a simple question – do you not have women in your homes? You’ve come to Barsana to enjoy the festival, but please, don’t defame this place or its culture. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, respect is paramount,” he urged in the video.
The post sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many users echoing Shukla’s concerns. One user expressed their disappointment with the behaviour, saying, “People have gone mad with their need to show off. Celebrate Holi in a respectful way, at home if necessary. Those who indulge in such mischief should be made to play Holi with their own mothers and sisters. They’ve turned this beautiful festival into a joke.”
Other social media users, especially women, have expressed their dismay at the actions of those who ruin the spirit of the festival. One female user commented, “Such ill-mannered people tarnish the reputation of this sacred place. The women there should stand up and defend themselves against such low and cheap behaviour, even if it means using shoes.” Another woman added, “The way you’ve raised this issue is crucial. Women face these despicable acts regularly, and it’s time we address it head-on.”
While Holi is traditionally a celebration of joy, unity, and the arrival of spring, this recent string of incidents highlighted a need for greater accountability and respect during the festivities.
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