A viral video appearing to show women being harassed by men during early Holi festivities in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh including towns such as Mathura and Vrindavan has triggered widespread condemnation on social media and renewed debate on women’s safety during festival crowds.
While celebratory events proceed under heightened security, officials emphasise robust arrangements to manage crowds and maintain peace. Critics assert that no cultural or religious occasion should be a cover for misconduct and call for stronger action against offenders, rejecting victim-blaming narratives. Authorities are on alert as festivities unfold, even as some officers advise caution for those uncomfortable with street celebrations.
Holi Celebrations Marred By Safety Concerns
The Braj region is famous for its Holi celebrations steeped in mythological tradition and religious devotion linked to Lord Krishna, with rituals such as Lathmar Holi in Barsana and Phoolon ki Holi drawing throngs of devotees and tourists from across India.
Over the past week, the 18-day Rangotsav festivities have been inaugurated in towns across the belt, including ceremonial events, community programmes, and temple celebrations. Police and district officials have reinforced security with heavy deployments, CCTV monitoring and traffic management to ensure orderly public participation.
Amid this backdrop, a social media video circulated this week appears to show scenes from a crowded Holi procession where several women are manoeuvring through dense crowds while coloured powders are thrown in the air.
The imagery differs from the usual festival ambience: several men are seen allegedly touching women in ways that observers have described as inappropriate, while some women in the footage seem visibly uncomfortable, covering their faces with dupattas and attempting to shield themselves from unwelcome contact. The clip quickly spread online, with thousands of views and sharp public reactions.
Social media users reacted fiercely, denouncing the behaviour in the video as criminal and unacceptable. One commenter insisted, “This is not a celebration, it’s abuse and criminal behaviour. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable.” Another wrote: “Harassment can never be justified in the garb of religion, culture, or tradition.” Many stressed that festival slogans should not normalise behaviour that crosses boundaries or disrespects consent.
Officials Respond, Safety Debate Widens
Responding to the controversy, authorities in Uttar Pradesh have emphasised safety and communal harmony. Ahead of this year’s Holi which coincides with the holy month of Ramadan police in districts such as Amethi said they have conducted multiple peace meetings with community leaders, deployed barricades and planned coordinated programmes to ensure tension-free festivities. Additional Superintendent of Police Gyanendra Kumar Singh appealed for calm and urged citizens to celebrate Holi joyfully and peacefully without disrespect to anyone’s sentiments.
In neighbouring districts, police advisories have taken an unusual turn: in Gonda, an Additional Superintendent of Police suggested that those who are “averse to colours” could consider staying at home on the festival day as a precaution, a statement that itself has drawn a mixture of support and criticism online. Critics argue that such advice risks shifting responsibility for safety onto those who are uncomfortable or vulnerable, rather than addressing the root causes of misconduct.
Beyond Braj, Uttar Pradesh authorities have reaffirmed safety measures around Holi. In Lucknow and Prayagraj, district administrations have issued stern advisories to curb hooliganism, emphasising that misbehaviour in the name of Holi will not be tolerated and that public order must be maintained as major celebrations approach. Officials have warned against disruptive conduct and demand cooperation from organisers and community members alike.
In recent days, the state has also launched food safety drives, with unhealthy and adulterated dairy products seized and destroyed ahead of Holi in cities like Ghaziabad, Kanpur and Barabanki, highlighting the administration’s broader push for public health and safety during high-demand festival periods.
Holi Tradition, Safety Concerns and Societal Reflection
Historically, Holi in places like Barsana and Vrindavan has been celebrated with lively music, community rituals and playful traditions that symbolise joy and cultural togetherness. This year’s Rangotsav events have continued these rituals with devoted participation under heavily monitored conditions, including the Lathmar Holi spectacle played out to the beat of drums, folk songs and ceremonial greetings between towns with thousands of police personnel overseeing the events.
Nevertheless, the viral video has reopened painful and recurring conversations about the intersection of festival crowds, gender safety and consent. In previous years too, similar incidents sparked debates about harassment and personal space during mass celebrations, underscoring systemic concerns about public conduct in high-energy environments. While social media threads cannot be independently verified, they reflect a broader unease felt by residents and netizens about how festival culture can sometimes mask uncomfortable realities.
Many voices in the current debate reject simplistic solutions that place the onus on women to avoid crowds or stay indoors. Instead, they insist that public celebrations are for everyone and that safety measures must go beyond policing to include community education, respect for consent and stronger enforcement against misconduct. Others argue that authorities must take allegations seriously, ensuring that incidents caught on video or described by witnesses are investigated rather than dismissed as festival excess.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Festivals are meant to strengthen social bonds and uphold joyous cultural expression but soft-spoken traditions should never be leveraged to excuse behaviour that undermines dignity or safety. The recent viral footage from Braj Holi highlights not just a moment of discomfort but an opportunity for collective introspection: how do we preserve cultural heritage while safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of every participant?
Real peace, respect and coexistence demand not just robust security planning but active community engagement in fostering consent-centred attitudes. Rather than advising vulnerable groups to opt out of festivities, our focus should be on transforming the festival environment itself into one where all feel welcome, safe and respected.
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