MANSI BHAMBRI | DEHRADUN
Some women and young girls The Pioneer spoke to say they fear to venture out of homes during the Holi period lest they be harassed by the unruly elements who behave inappropriately in the guise of festivities. They say that their experiences in the past are not good.
“Though we enjoy playing Holi outside our homes with our neighbours and friends we feel insecure. This is no longer a peaceful festival,” said a 30-year-old Monica Bindra. “Some youngsters, perhaps inebriated, are inclined to throw water balloons and even engage in inappropriate behaviour. It is sad that the festival is increasingly becoming a male festival, leaving us out of it,” Bindra added.
A college student Khushi Kumari voiced the same despair and apprehension when asked whether she would venture out of home to celebrate the Holi with others. “Being a college student, I routinely go to campus for my classes. However, with barely a couple of days left until Holi, my parents are advising me to be cautious when heading to college. Their concern is quite justified, given our experiences of some people being out to use this opportunity to tease and harass women and young girls. To avoid such unpleasant experiences, I will limit my outings from home on the day of Holi. My mother will also do the same,” she said.
Another woman, Garima, recounted her Holi experience last year. “Just ahead of the festival, when I was riding my two-wheeler to a market two young boys sped past me and threw an egg at me while shouting ‘bura na mano Holi hai’. This upset me greatly and since then, I make it a point to remain indoors for two days till Holi,” she added.
A parent, Vinay, expressed his concerns about the increase in inappropriate behaviours incidents during the Holi festival each year. In light of this, he advises his daughter to avoid leaving the house unnecessarily in the week leading up to and during the Holi celebrations. He said that during this time, cases of inappropriate behaviours tend to rise among certain individuals under the guise of Holi festivities.
