Bouncers, helpline to make Holi safe for women in Pune

PUNE: For many, Holi is all about having fun with coloured power, pichkaris and water balloons. But for some women, there are darker implications as the celebrations come with a slice of harassment.
A Raja, deputy commissioner of police (special branch) acknowledged that the control room receives several calls from women reporting sexual assault, harassment and other crimes every Holi. He said that the police department, while granting permission to host Holi parties, includes several guidelines for venues and organizers to undertake.
The guidelines include delegating proper staff to ensure women's safety and to take care of any discomfort to participants. "We also urge women to call on the number 112 to report any complaints of harassment or if they feel unsafe. The call will be directed to the nearest police station and action will be taken promptly," he said.
Amaye Tare, the organizer of a Holi event at Mahalakshmi Lawns on March 8, said they have taken extra precautions this year. "About 70-80 bouncers will be stationed across the venue to ensure everyone is having fun while feeling safe. There is another team delegated to help resolve any issues," Tare said. "In between revelry, our anchor will make announcements on playing Holi appropriately and not making others uncomfortable."
Another organizer said they have hired women security personnel this year. "Three to four of them will be stationed at every section of the venue. At the entrance, these 'lady bouncers' will speak with our women guests to let them know that they are there if they need help or to report any untoward incidents if someone is making them feel unsafe," said Rohen Anttony, who is organizing an event at Madhura Lawns in Ravet on March 7.
Women have for long complained about eggs, mud, semen or unknown liquids being thrown at them during these days, besides being touched inappropriately. These non-consensual acts often leave women scarred and wary of the festival.
In 2019, when Pooja S was returning home after a night shift at work, she met a group of men playing with colours, water guns and balloons. "Happy Holi," they shouted at her. But before she could respond, the men were upon her with coloured powders in their fists. They smeared it all over her face and arms, making her feel scared, unsafe and violated, she said.
This inappropriate behaviour is often couched as "harmless fun". Deviants use age-old phrases such as "Bura na mano, Holi hai [don't feel bad, it's holi]" to gaslight women into thinking that there's nothing wrong with sexually-charged touches or gestures.
Esha M recalled a similar experience from a Holi party a few years ago. "A group of seemingly drunk men started misbehaving with my friends and me. They were shooting coloured water at us with their pichkaris. We let it go the first few times as they apologized and claimed it was unintentional. We even moved away to the other side of the venue but they followed us and continued to throw water at us," she said. "When we confronted them, they denied harassing us and asked us why we came to a Holi party when we don't want to play with everyone."