Holi 2023: Consent, Organic Colours & Other Things Women Want On This Festival

Holi is one of the most vibrant and colourful festivals celebrated in India, that is widely known for spreading joy and happiness all around. People gather to celebrate this festival by throwing vibrant colours, dancing to music, and feasting on traditional sweets.

At the same time, there are concerns that often go undiscussed such as consent, skincare, and women's safety during the festival. Over the years we have fantasised Holi like Bollywood films. However, unlike the songs, and portrayal of the festival where consent is a far-fetched topic, women want to discuss their safety first and get into the enjoyment second.

With the recent rise of awareness about consent and the use of organic colours, women are demanding changes in the way this festival is celebrated. While we plan our celebrations, let’s explore the things that women want in Holi 2023.

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Consent

Consent is the foremost issue that women want to address during the Holi festival. The traditional way of celebrating Holi often involves forcefully applying colours on people, including strangers, without their consent. Because, Bollywood films have taught us bura na maano holi hai (don’t feel bad, it’s Holi). This act can be particularly distressing for women as they might feel uncomfortable or violated. To make the festival more inclusive and respectful towards women, it is essential to seek consent before applying colours. It is important to recognise that consent is not only about physical touch but also about the use of photography and videos.

Organic Colours

Another major concern for women during Holi is the use of harmful chemicals in the colours. Many colours used during the festival are made of synthetic dyes that can cause skin irritation, allergies, and other health problems. To make the festival safer and more environment-friendly, women are advocating for the use of organic colours. Organic colours are made from natural ingredients like flowers, turmeric, and henna and do not harm the skin or the environment.

Dress Code

Women also want to wear their choice of attire during the Holi festival without feeling pressured to wear the traditional white attire that often get transparent when wet, making them feel uncomfortable and exposed. Women should be encouraged to wear clothes that they feel comfortable and confident in, rather than feeling pressured to conform to traditional attire.

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Safety Measures

Women are also advocating for safety measures during the Holi festival. Crowded places and the use of intoxicants can sometimes lead to untoward incidents like molestation, harassment, and assault. It is important to ensure that safety measures are in place during the festival, including the police presence, proper lighting, and emergency services. It is important to create an environment where women can celebrate the festival without feeling threatened or unsafe.