The small towns of Barsana and Nandgaon in Uttar Pradesh are at the center of the festivities as the festival of holi unfolds with excitement and vivid colors, attracting thousands of people who are eager to partake in the custom.
 
Devotees go from all over the nation to participate in lively celebrations, which include the well-known Lathmar holi when men and women compete in lighthearted color contests. The festival starts far in advance of the formal date of Holi.
 
But amid the jubilant celebration of colors, alarming cases of mistreatment of women have emerged, clouding the otherwise festive event.  In a concerning development, a number of people have reported inappropriate behavior and harassment, with women being specifically targeted during the festival.
Actor and blogger Tushar Shukla recently uploaded a video that provoked indignation and brought these occurrences to light. Shukla, who was traveling to Barsana to participate in the festivities, voiced his displeasure with some people's behavior during the holi celebrations in the video.
 
He is heard in the video wondering why obscene behavior, such as unwanted and inappropriate physical contact, tends to target women.
 
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 behavior captured on film.
Shukla explained that the problem was not limited to residents but also included visitors who came to take part in the celebration. Participants from Barsana and beyond were exhorted by him to uphold the celebration's sacredness.  "I'm not implying that locals are the only ones accountable.  This also involves outsiders. However, I have a straightforward query: do you not have ladies in your households?  Please don't disparage Barsana or its culture; you've come here to enjoy the festival.  In the video, he emphadata-sized that respect is crucial, regardless of whether you are a resident or a visitor.
On social media, the message generated a lot of responses, with many people sharing Shukla's worries.  "People have gone mad with their need to show off," one person wrote, expressing their displeasure with the behavior.  If needed, observe holi in a dignified manner at home.  It is appropriate to force those who engage in such mischief to play holi with their own moms and sisters. This lovely celebration has been reduced to a farce by them.
The acts of people who destroy the festival's essence have angered other social media users, particularly women.  "Such rude people damage the reputation of this holy place," remarked a female user.  Even if it means wearing shoes, the ladies there ought to take a stand and protect themselves from such demeaning and inexpensive behavior.  "The manner in which you have brought up this matter is very important," said another woman.  We must confront the heinous atrocities that women endure on a daily basis.
Although holi is customarily a time to celebrate happiness, solidarity, and the coming of spring, a recent spate of events made clear the need for increased responsibility and decency throughout the celebrations.