Holi crimes: The impact of a public festivity on violence against women

Many women experience physical or sexual violence, often in public spaces. We study the role of gender norms in perpetuating this violence by analyzing Holi, a festivity in India, where the phrase “Bura na mano Holi Hai” (Don’t feel offended, it’s Holi) is misused to justify inappropriate behavior. We document a 170% increase in assaults against women during Holi. Analysis reveals (1) higher violence in districts where men justify violence, and (2) a male backlash effect where women oppose it. Underreporting and reduced mobility during Holi do not appear to be the main drivers. To date, nobody has been convicted. • First indicative evidence of the significant risks women face during certain public festivities. • Assaults against women in public places increase over 170% during Holi. • We observe more assaults in places where men justify violence against women (intensification effect). • Men commit more assaults in places where women do not justify violence against women (male backlash effect).