Women in India’s “City of Widows” once walked in the shadows, granted legal right to celebrate Holi Festival
The taboo-breaking celebration has now become a national phenomenon, attracting global attention. The festival takes place at the Gopinath Ji Temple every year for 15 days.
Vrindavan, renowned as the town full of temples, is now also known as The City of Widows. | All photos courtesy of Priyanka Chandani
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VRINDAVAN, India ꟷ Widows in India often face a variety of atrocities after their husband’s die. Many endure destitution after their families abandon them, compelled to live lives of obscurity. Young or old, social customs may require them to shave their heads bald, walk barefoot, eat one meal a day, and sleep on the floor. Many customs prevent them from attending their children’s marriage ceremonies and prohibit them from participating in India’s most significant religious festivals – Holi and Diwali.
Today’s photo gallery comes from Priyanka Chandani. Priyanka is a multimedia journalist out of India and a Foreign Correspondent for Orato World Media.
In the City of Widows, women once banned from social life celebrate the Holi Festival
All photos courtesy of Priyanka Chandani.
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Priyanka Chandani specializes in long-form narrative features and has reported from India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Dubai. She writes across beats, from politics and crime to military and cross border conflict, gender issues, cinema, sports and lifestyle. Her works have been published in Indian and international outlets including The Tennessee Tribune, The Westside Gazette, Zenger News, and Orato World Media.
Priyanka Chandani specializes in long-form narrative features and has reported from India, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Dubai. She writes across beats, from politics and crime to military and cross border conflict, gender issues, cinema, sports and lifestyle. Her works have been published in Indian and international outlets including The Tennessee Tribune, The Westside Gazette, Zenger News, and Orato World Media.