Holi, the festival of colors, is widely celebrated across India, but the festivities in Braj-comprising Mathura, Vrindavan, Barsana, and Nandgaon-are particularly famous for their grand scale and cultural significance. However, the celebrations here can also pose safety challenges for women, especially first-time visitors. While Holi is meant to be a joyous occasion, instances of inappropriate behavior, harassment, and excessive crowding have raised concerns over women’s safety.
Reha Adani, who goes by the name of @stichyourmap’ on Instagram is a travel and lifestyle influencer who recently shared a video showing the dark side of playing Holi in U.P. as a woman. Experiencing Holi in Braj & Nandgaon is every travel enthusiast’s wish but Reha took us through her journey of Holi at Braj. Sharing a video of her experience, she said, “Braj Ki Holi has two sides – one that exists for men, and the other than men create for women. Many girls have asked me about how safe it is for women to travel Solo to experience Holi in UP – and my response has been very clear – “Don’t Go Solo.”
Reha shared how ‘Bura na mano holi hai’ is an excuse for strange men to apply colours on your face and touch you without permission or misbehave. She askes women to completely cover themselves before stepping out in Braj during Holi. “Especially in Barsana and Nandgaon, where Lathmar Holi takes place – the crowd is extremely rowdy and has decided that ‘Krishna Bhagwan bhi toh Gopiyon ko chhedte the, toh hum kyun nahi?’ They will find and target girls in the crowd, aim pichkaris and rang at their asses and private parts and literally do jabardasti. It can get overwhelming, even if you go in a group. Even if your group has boys, it doesn’t stop the crowd from getting touchy with women,” she shared.
Women are specifically targeted in Holi… They were targeting our breast and bum.
Video proof. pic.twitter.com/0cOsyIwILK
— Rayhaan (@RaysTweetsss) March 26, 2024
Men Remain untouched while women are drenched in colors
Reha also emphasised on how people in Braj are excited to drench stranger women and tourists with colours but men remain colourless and clean. This deep rooted excitement about touching women and applying them colors in the name of Holi can be a tragic experience for some. Yet, women should not miss out on this experience since Vrindavan also provides you peace. Here’s how the influencer asks to travel in Braj if you’re a woman and wish to enjoy Holi.
1. Try to find a safe and decent group there who you can stick with.
2. Dress like a boy. Cover yourself from head to toe and maintain a low profile.
3. Carry important defence gears like pepper sprays and selfie sticks.
4. Try not to attract too much attention to yourself, and maintain distance from men who might act like they’re trying to help you but have other intentions – you’ll understand their energy and just follow your gut.
For those who were outraged with the #BharatMatrimony ad for holi.. This video is for them. A female traveller warning other female travellers to avoid stepping out during Holi. Maybe it’s time to rethink the way this festival is celebrated? pic.twitter.com/fU8axRFE05
— Ram Subramanian (@iramsubramanian) March 10, 2023
It is a sad reality that women still face this in 2025 but taking precautions is necessary for every woman’s physical and mental health.
