"Bura na mano Holi hai” becomes bullies' favourite get away phrase in the week preceding the festival of Holi as they throw dry color, water and water balloons at  people without their consent and run away. 

Holi, despite being a festival marked by the spirit of fun and frolic, can be a nightmare for people who do not wish to be dumped color on because they might be headed on to some important work, have allergies or just not like it for that matter. whatever the reason may be, if one does not choose to be a part of this hysterical celebration in the name of festivities, it becomes difficult for them to even get out their homes.  

Ever wondered why the girls who played holi as a kid stopped being a part of the festivities as they grew up? The biggest reason is their own safety. With all the "freedom" people assume to be entitled to on this day, it becomes an even worse day for women step out. Holi it seems gives people a license for a few days to grab you and touch the women while playing holi in a group. What worsens the situation is unlike other days, if women call for help, they will instead be considered a snob because considering it is Holi supposedly everything is ‘playful' even if it is groping. The festival raises a serious debate about consent. Why should the norms of consent change during the duration of the festival and harassment become something that is acceptable around the festival.

On taking offence on being touched without permission, women especially at workplaces and educational institutes are asked to "not spoil the fun". A large number of men go around drunk on streets and feel free to touch women (or anyone for that matter) to put color on them. women are subjected to this kind of "celebration" which is often accompanied by extreme sexualisation of the female body —the ‘fun’ of watching a woman’s body drenched with water and the overall pleasure of violation.

Indian families who have always believed in keeping their daughters "under control" to keep them safe instead of teaching their sons to behave themselves, ask their daughters to stay indoors on holi as it is "unsafe" outside. It's funny how I myself being a kid whose favourite festival was holi is now afraid to step out of my house because I am afraid to be thrown colors (and comments and glances) at by groups of drunk boys.

Festivals have always been about celebration of life and energy and making it consensual will help in saving the true essence of any festival which is spreading happiness and not violation of anyone's boundaries. :)