Japanese Woman Harassed, Groped, Hit With Egg On Holi On Her First Solo Visit To India

Most women would know that Holi is not always that fun for everyone in India. Despite multiple attempts to raise concerns about consent ahead of Holi, there are multiple cases of harassment every year. One such horrific incident has come to the surface where a Japanese woman was harassed, smeared with colour, groped, and hit with an egg on the head in the name of Holi celebrations.

In a shameful video that has gone viral, a group of young men and boys are seen physically harassing, spanking, and groping the woman to put colours on her as they chant “Holi Hai”. The Japanese woman, allegedly 22-year-old, is on her first solo trip to India.

As per reports, the woman initially posted the video online but later deleted it. The video has since then gone viral on social media platforms including Reddit. This has generated outrage on social media. Bollywood actor Richa Chadha has joined the concerned chorus demanding police arrest of the group of boys who were caught on camera harassing the girl.

Japanese tourist victim of Molestation Fest called Holi https://t.co/2Am93SMzEx

— Sam (@SamKhan999) March 9, 2023

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"For those who were against the #BHARATMATRIMONY Holi campaign. A Japanese tourist in India. Imagine your sister, mother or wife being treated like this in another county? Maybe you will understand then (sic)," a Twitter user wrote.

Retweeting this Chadha wrote, “Arrest these men”.

Arrest these men https://t.co/zgC1bDh2kB

— RichaChadha (@RichaChadha) March 10, 2023

Bharat Matrimony Holi Campaign

On March 8, Bharat Matrimony posted a #BeChoosy campaign in the honour of both Holi and International Women’s Day. “This Women's Day & Holi, let's celebrate by creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women. It's important to acknowledge the challenges that women face in public spaces and create a society that truly respects their well-being - today & forever,” read the caption of the campaign video.

In the video, a woman washes off her face covered in colour and reveals bruises on it. “Some colours don't wash away easy. A third of women who've faced this trauma, have stopped playing Holi,” reads the subtitles on the video.

This Women's Day & Holi, let's celebrate by creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women. It's important to acknowledge the challenges that women face in public spaces and create a society that truly respects their well-being - today & forever.#BharatMatrimony#BeChoosypic.twitter.com/9bqIXZqaXu

— Bharatmatrimony.com (@bharatmatrimony) March 8, 2023

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While some lauded the campaign, others slammed the campaign for allegedly hurting religious sentiments and expressed “disappointment” for “equating our (Hindu) festivals with harassment”.