Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Indian women take their revenge

Andrew Buncombe
Thursday 25 February 2010 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

As stories go, it's as good as any, and it gives at least some women of India – many of whom endure lives of hard work and very often abuse – the chance to get their own back.

Just days before the spring festival of Holi, an event celebrated across the country with the raucous throwing of water and multi-coloured dyes, the residents of Barsana, a small town around 60 miles south of Delhi, indulge in their own unique version of the festival.

Barsana is known as the home village of Radha, the favourite cowgirl or "gopi" of Lord Krishna, who teased the young woman and her friends.

Every year, the men from Nandgaon, the nearby village that was home to Lord Krishna, visit Barsana and endure the wrath of its women, who grab sticks and branches and knotted saris to ritually attack the menfolk. Knowing what is in store for them, the men prepare by wearing padding or else holding shields. Some are even dragged away by the women, dressed in women's clothes and made to dance.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in