Bharat Matrimony’s Holi ad faces social media backlash

Giving a message of inclusivity, the ad says, “This Women’s Day let’s choose to celebrate Holi in a way that is safe and inclusive for women.” Bharat Matrimony posted the ad on Holi with the caption, “This Women’s Day & Holi, let’s celebrate by creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women. It’s important to acknowledge the challenges that women face in public spaces and create a society that truly respects their well-being – today & forever.”

Watch the video below:

This Women’s Day & Holi, let’s celebrate by creating safer and more inclusive spaces for women. It’s important to acknowledge the challenges that women face in public spaces and create a society that truly respects their well-being – today & forever.#BharatMatrimony #BeChoosy pic.twitter.com/9bqIXZqaXu

— Bharatmatrimony.com (@bharatmatrimony) March 8, 2023

The social message that Bharat Matrimony attempted to convey through the ad didn’t go down well with a section of social media users.

“You guys are absolutely disgusting. How dare you link a social message with the Hindu festival of Holi. What has domestic abuse got to do with Holi?Have u lost your mind? You obviously don’t want Hindu customers. btw, u should focus on what happens on your awful site,” said a user.

You guys are absolutely disgusting. How dare you link a social message with the Hindu festival of Holi. What has domestic abuse got to do with Holi?Have u lost your mind? You obviously don’t want Hindu customers. btw, u should focus on what happens on your awful site.

— Priya Rana (@PriyaKumariRana) March 8, 2023

“I promise I will never recommend your portal to anyone ! I will show this post to them , and I am sure they will be convinced why not to use this website!” wrote another.

I promise I will never recommend your portal to anyone ! I will show this post to them , and I am sure they will be convinced why not to use this website !

— Sumit (@sumitsaurabh) March 8, 2023

It’s disappointing to see that you’re equating our festivals with harassment.

Let’s celebrate diversity and respect each other’s culture and faith. Let’s spread love, not hate. #StopHate #RespectCulture 🇮🇳

— Abhinav Khare (@iabhinavKhare) March 8, 2023

Just changing tweet caption is not enough, Video still have same content misrepresentation of holi. Choose woman awareness any other day. Better take this ad down or face consequences pic.twitter.com/fwul85Od16

— Lala (@FabulasGuy) March 8, 2023

Others also supported the ad. “This is indeed very brave of @bharatmatrimony. Festivals cannot and should not be a traumatic experience. Respect and Consent is vital and what better than the #WomensDay to send this message out to all those men who abuse, harm and disrespect women,” tweeted a user.

Earlier, online food delivery app Swiggy faced the ire of netizens for a billboard that urged people to not to play Holi with eggs. The food delivery platform took down the billboard after the backlash.

Hey @Swiggy, giving Gyan on Holi & trying to set a wrong perception by installing controversial billboards and posting reel, is not cool in any terms.

Apologize to Hindus & remove them. #HinduPhobicSwiggy pic.twitter.com/Zky64R8RvJ

— Aditya Tiwari (@Adityaatiwariii) March 8, 2023

In 2019, an ad by detergent brand Surf Excel, that showed friendship between a boy and a girl belonging to different communities caused an uproar. While some were critical of it for hurting religious sentiments, others praised the ad for promoting communal harmony.