Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The Gulmandi reverberated with powerful slogans such as ‘Down with patriarchy’, ‘Down with male dominance’ and ‘Nari Shakti is a spark that can turn into a blaze’ on Monday. The occasion was the women-only colour festival, Khelenge Hum Bhi Holi. Amid showers of flower petals and a vibrant splash of colours, hundreds of women from across the city came together to celebrate Rangpanchami in a safe and free environment to the tunes of festive songs.
Rangpanchami is often associated with groups of men indulging in street revelry. However, with the aim of enabling women to celebrate the festival freely in public spaces, social activists Smita Bomble and Dr Aartishyamal Joshi organised this initiative for the fourth consecutive year.
Burning of injustice
The festival began with slogans celebrating women’s empowerment. Along with colour celebrations, participants symbolically burnt representations of incidents of atrocities against women reported over the past year, marking a ‘Holika of injustice’. This included protests against incidents such as the assault on a minor in Malegaon, the Badlapur case, the Vaishnavi Hagawane case and other distressing events.
Colourful celebrations
Following the Holika Dahan, women enjoyed three hours of vibrant dry colour play. Women from different fields and age groups danced to the beats of dhol-tasha, DJ and live band performances. A specially created selfie point drew enthusiastic participation, while an artificial water pool was arranged for children at the venue.
“This is the fourth year of this women-led festival. The response this year has been more enthusiastic than last year, with participation from women of all age groups,” said organiser Smita Bomble.
“This could be the only women-organised Rangpanchami festival in the state. The aim was to enable women to step out and celebrate freely. Women left aside their daily routines to participate with enthusiasm. It was an effort to honour women’s empowerment,” said organiser Dr Aartishyamal Joshi.