From Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh to Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, and across various parts of the country, the vibrant festival of Holi often exposes deep-rooted societal rifts of religion, caste, and gender. Instead of a harmonious celebration of spring and new beginnings, Holi, especially when it coincides with occasions like Ramzan Friday, becomes a battleground where peace is maintained only through heightened police vigilance, drone surveillance, and paramilitary flag marches.

Religious and Caste Divides: The Hidden Wounds of Celebration

The real question is why a festival meant to spread joy frequently devolves into aggressive sloganeering and covert threats against minorities—be it religious, caste-based, or even against women. When Holi revelry transforms into an open threat to Muslims and mosques, compelling changes in prayer schedules or draping religious structures with tarpaulin, the festival’s true essence is lost. When upper castes exploit the occasion to mock and denigrate others, the vibrant hues of Holi begin to fade.

Gender Harassment Cloaked in Tradition

Moreover, Holi’s exuberance often becomes a façade for men to overstep boundaries with women, normalizing harassment under the pretense of “Bura Na Mano, Holi Hai.” Such transgressions strip the festival of its innocence, turning it into a display of brute male dominance rather than communal joy.

The Blame Game: When Festivals Become Battlefields

It’s equally troubling when reports emerge of Hindu festivals being restricted in Muslim-dominated areas, which are then used to justify retaliatory actions elsewhere.

Political Manipulation: Divide and Rule in Modern Times

Festivals, by their very nature, are meant to bring people together, fostering unity and joy. Yet, if they are manipulated to provoke violence and deepen societal fractures, it’s a testament to how power elites exploit these events to keep the masses divided. By stirring hatred and resentment, those in power ensure their own dominance over a fragmented society.

A Call for Unity: Reclaiming the Spirit of Holi

India’s history is marred with festival-related violence, a pattern that persists because people often fail to recognize the manipulative narratives being spun by those in power. It’s high time to reclaim the true essence of celebrations—where unity, inclusiveness, and collective joy are the guiding principles.