Since childhood, we are listening to “Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai!” as an excuse when someone throws color or water balloons at us unwillingly. Why? Because Holi has taught us to forgive everyone and be friends with them.
But this good moral has given rise to eve-teasing and sexual harassment, which has become very common during Holi or any other festival. These antagonists show their actual colors by ruining the festival’s fun by harassing the females by applying hues without their permission or in an inappropriate way. It is not understandable what fun these guys have staining other’s lives with their immoral behavior.
And this is not where it stops. Many victims who want to raise voice against it are shut down because of the fear of embarrassment and shame. Families of victims don’t file a complaint and restrict their girls from everything, thinking who will marry them. Sometimes the onlookers also don’t do or say anything by saying, “It happens at times.”
But not anymore! We have to stop it. If we don’t raise our voice against it now, it will never end. Why are the girls held back by their parents to go out and play? Why not parents make their boys learn how to respect a woman or better stop them from going out? If this happens, women can safely go anywhere she wants.
But since we live in a community where everyone pretends to someone they are not and does the opposite of what they are told, we cannot expect them to teach their boys, as many adults also do the same. Also, parents never believe that “their son” can do anything like that.
Awareness is the key to eradicate this problem. Every woman needs to be aware of the laws made for her protection. It would be good if you always carry pepper spray whenever going out. The most important thing is not to be afraid of the consequences, like what society will think about you or your family while raising a voice against the crime. You are a strong and independent woman who has not done anything wrong.
Holi is a festival to spread joy, fun, and laughter. It is not a grant for these antagonists to do whatever they like. So, this Holi, let’s take a vow to celebrate the true meaning of Holi by bringing new shades in everyone’s life and discarding all the negatives. Let’s make beautiful, colorful, and conscious memories, where the festival is safe for every woman, and they can play without any fear. Have a safe, fearless, and cheerful Holi!
