Sexual License during Holi

The lighting takes place late in the night between 10 P.M. and 12 P.M. Very rarely is this ceremony conducted in an orderly manner. Except when the ceremony is taking place in a temple, gesticulation, howling, catcalls and trading of abuses is a part of Holi. All this is obviously reminiscent of attitudes originating in a backward cultural environment. But even against this background, the aspect that stands out is the sexual license that the mobs exercise. A display of loose morals, a morbid rejoicing with contempt for all laws and norms of behaviour that are considered civilized by present-day standards - what does this reflect?

How is it that even those sections of society that are educated and cultured allow themselves to bo carried away by the wild outburst associated with this festival? Why is it that this has been the nature of Holi for centuries together?

These questions sound quite provocative to an average Indian mind. To answer them we need to look beyond what is visible and evident as there is more to it than meets the eye during Holi celebrations. As already mentioned, Holi does not have much of a private or individual character, it is almost entirely a public festival. But does it at least have any religious significance? A hard look proves otherwise. Holi is not dedicated to any deity from the Hindu pantheon, as are other festivals like, Mahashivaratri, Ramanavami, Krishnastami, etc. And although mythology does involve Shiva and Madana ( the God of love) with Holi, the religious significance is not immanent as in the case of other festivals. It is for this reason that very few religious rites are associated with Holi and almost none of them are generally observed.

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