Holi, the festival of colors, friendship, and, for some, conveniently blurred lines of fidelity. As the dhol beats get louder and the thandai flows freely, suddenly, that friendly coworker or enigmatic neighbor starts to resemble the star of your own Bollywood love story. Coincidence? Or perhaps just a bit too much bhaang? While many enjoy Holi in high spirits, it’s undeniable that the festival also brings its share of “oops” moments. A recent survey by a renowned extramarital dating app revealed that after Holi, there’s a noticeable increase in users seeking, let us say, vibrant connections. Their data shows that a staggering 56% of Indian users confessed to being more open to an extramarital affair during Holi. Clearly, it is not just gulal that is in the air!
Bhaang is Just a Joke:
Although alcohol has a negative reputation, in India, bhaang is what transforms even the most sane people into short-term Casanovas. Your purely platonic friend recently kissed you “by mistake,” your bashful coworker wants to dance incredibly close, and your uncle, who is happily married, is whispering sweet nothings. Let us face it—there is something about the carefree atmosphere of Holi that gives people the impression that their activities are excused from punishment. Is Holi offering a socially acceptable covering for repressed urges, or is it really just the bhaang talking?
Flings Over Things: The New-Age Holi Syndrome:
Sybil Shiddell, Relationship Manager at a renowned extramarital dating app, explains,
“In a time where dating apps are thriving and people are redefining relationships, Holi is becoming a traditional festival. According to surveys, 70% of users said festivals like Holi made them more adventurous in their romantic pursuits. So, while you are out there chasing someone to smear gulaal on, someone else might just be chasing something entirely different. The thrill of anonymity mixed with Holi’s playful atmosphere makes it easy for people to indulge in moments they might otherwise resist.”
“It was not me” sounds a lot more believable when you are covered in colors and slightly high.
Also Read: India’s Top 10 Women Administrators Who Transformed Governance and Leadership
The post-Holi guilt trip can be more painful than a stain that willnot go away, even if a little flirting never hurts anyone (or did it?). Some people wake up the following morning with a headache, while others experience flashbacks to actions they most likely shouldn’t have taken. Holi flings can be brief but memorable, ranging from embarrassing texts the following day asking, “So… what happened last night?” to the well-worn justification, “It was just the bhaang.” And if you believe that nobody will recall? That footage of you doing a little more than dancing under the pretense of Holi masti is most likely on someone’s phone.
How to Keep It Playful and Not Problematic?
If you are someone who enjoys Holi without complications, a few mindful choices can ensure you do not wake up with regrets. Stick to the right kind of “high,” have fun, embrace the colors, but keep your judgment intact. Remember, consent is not seasonal—Holi does not mean “anything goes,” so always respect boundaries. If you would not want to explain it later, do not do it now; think twice before letting a moment of bhaang-fueled courage push you into something you might regret. Lastly, a festival should end in fun, not fights. If your actions could jeopardize your existing relationship, pause and reconsider before the rang wears off and reality sets in.
