The dark side of Holi

The article discusses the dark side of Holi, India's festival of colors, which has become a day when women brace for harassment. It explores the story of Holika, a figure from Hindu mythology associated with the festival, arguing that she is often unfairly portrayed as a villain when she was merely a pawn of male power. The author suggests that the celebration of Holika's burning is a warning about the vulnerability of women in a society that normalizes male power. The article claims that during Holi, men often use the festival as an excuse to inappropriately touch and harass women under the guise of tradition, using the phrase "Bura na mano, Holi hai" to excuse their behavior. The author argues that women are often targets rather than participants in the festival.

Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is being celebrated in India, Nepal, and by the Indian diaspora worldwide. This spring festival marks the end of winter and celebrates the victory of good over evil, rooted in the legend of Holika and Prahlad. Celebrations involve prayers, the smearing of bright colors on loved ones, traditional foods and sweets like gujiya, and the drinking of thandai. Bonfires are lit the evening before Holi to symbolize the destruction of evil. In northern Indian cities like Mathura and Vrindavan, celebrations are particularly vibrant due to their association with the Hindu deities Radha and Krishna.