During Holi, stepping outside means there’s a good chance of being splashed with vibrant colors or hit by a water balloon. While some people embrace it as part of the festive spirit, others may not enjoy the sudden surprise. One group that certainly doesn’t appreciate being targets during Holi is the delivery executives, especially those on two-wheelers or bikes. Zomato has recognized this concern and, through its latest campaign, has taken a stand to protect their delivery staff from the potential hazards of the festival.

In its ad, Zomato uses humor to get its point across. The scene opens in an office meeting room, where two mischievous boys are throwing water balloons and colors at unsuspecting employees. The situation escalates when the boys climb onto the roof of a one-floor house, preparing to aim at a Zomato delivery executive. The ad ends with a clear, thought-provoking message: “Would you like this to happen at work? We don’t, either.” It serves as a gentle reminder that while Holi is a time for celebration, it’s equally important to consider the safety of those who work during the festival, particularly delivery partners. Zomato’s Marketing Head, Sahibjeet Singh Sawhney, further emphasized this on LinkedIn, urging people to be cautious when celebrating with water balloons. He wrote, “Request all of you to avoid hitting delivery partners (of any brand) with water balloons this Holi. It may be a fun activity – but it can put them off-balance while riding their two-wheelers/bikes and cause an accident.”

While Zomato takes a more serious approach to the safety message, Zepto, another quick-commerce brand, offers a more lighthearted and playful take on the same theme. In its ad, Zepto shows a delivery executive trying to avoid being drenched by colors thrown by Holi revelers. After a brief struggle, the delivery man embraces the fun with a smile and encourages the crowd to continue celebrating. The twist comes when a society resident orders Surf Excel detergent for the delivery person, ensuring that he can clean his clothes after the messy encounter. While Zepto doesn’t issue a direct public safety message like Zomato, it subtly promotes the idea of celebrating responsibly by showing empathy and thoughtfulness for the delivery executive’s situation.

Both ads, despite taking different approaches, convey a similar underlying message: Holi should be a time of joy, but it’s important to balance fun with safety and respect for others. Whether you’re splashing colors on friends or throwing water balloons at unsuspecting passersby, it’s essential to think about the impact your actions may have on others, particularly those working during the festival. Delivery executives, who are often on the roads for long hours, navigating busy streets and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, deserve to be treated with consideration, especially during such chaotic celebrations.

By raising awareness about the risks that delivery partners face, both Zomato and Zepto encourage consumers to think before acting. Their campaigns advocate for safety and mindfulness, urging people to find ways to enjoy the festival without putting others in harm’s way. A little consideration can go a long way in making this Holi a fun and safe experience for everyone, from revelers to delivery executives.

Let’s all take a moment to think about how we can celebrate Holi safely and responsibly. Whether it’s by refraining from throwing water balloons at delivery workers or simply being mindful of those on the road, we can all make a difference in ensuring that the festival remains joyful and safe for everyone involved.

So this Holi, let’s embrace the colors, but also embrace kindness and responsibility. Celebrate the spirit of the festival without compromising anyone’s safety, and make sure that everyone, including our delivery partners, can enjoy the day without fear of accidents or harm. Together, we can make Holi a safe, vibrant, and joyous occasion for all! In addition to the focus on safety, both Zomato and Zepto also subtly highlight the importance of respecting the hardworking individuals who keep our lives running smoothly, especially during festive times like Holi. These delivery executives are often caught in the middle of our celebrations, making deliveries while dodging water balloons, colors, and unpredictable crowds. Zomato’s approach stresses that their team of delivery partners should not have to risk their safety just to keep customers satisfied during the holiday. This message encourages a deeper reflection on how we treat those in service roles and reminds us that small actions like being mindful of their safety can go a long way. After all, they are out there working hard to ensure we have what we need, even when the streets are crowded with revelers.

Zepto’s approach, though more playful in tone, carries a similar sentiment. By showing the delivery executive smiling and joining in the fun after initially avoiding the colors, Zepto paints a picture of embracing the spirit of the festival without losing sight of practicality. While the playful narrative doesn’t emphasize safety as directly as Zomato’s, the fact that the resident orders detergent for the delivery man at the end suggests a level of empathy and consideration for his situation. It’s a subtle, yet powerful reminder that our enjoyment should not come at the expense of others’ well-being. The humor in the ad softens the serious undertone of the message, striking a balance between fun and responsibility.

As Holi continues to be one of India’s most beloved festivals, it’s essential that we all come together to create an environment that’s not only full of joy and color but also one that values the safety and well-being of everyone involved. Both Zomato and Zepto have taken steps toward ensuring their delivery executives are protected during the festival, but it’s also up to us as individuals to follow their lead. This Holi, let’s not only spread colors but also kindness and understanding. Let’s take the extra moment to ensure that our playful celebrations don’t endanger those who are just doing their jobs. In the end, it’s a celebration for all, and the true joy comes from knowing we’ve all had a safe and delightful experience. This Holi, let’s remember that the essence of the festival lies in spreading joy, love, and togetherness. While the vibrant colors and playful water balloons bring excitement to the occasion, we must also acknowledge that these celebrations can impact others in unexpected ways. For delivery executives, who are out on the roads, often in the midst of busy and chaotic conditions, the risk of accidents is real. By taking a moment to consider their safety, we can ensure that Holi remains a joyous experience for everyone, not just for the revelers but also for those who work tirelessly to serve us. A little mindfulness, like refraining from throwing colors or balloons at delivery partners, can make a significant difference in ensuring that the spirit of Holi is truly about happiness for all.

Author: Aryan chaudhary