MENSTRUATION TABOOS AROUND INDIA

Menstruation is the natural part of the reproductive cycle in which blood from uterus exits through the vagina. It is a natural process that 1st occurs in girls usually between 12 -14. It is one of the indicators of the onset of puberty among them. This has always been surrounded by secrecy and myths in our societies. Taboos surrounding menstruation exclude women and girls from aspects of many social and cultural lives. It has always been surrounded taboos and myths that exclude women from many aspects social and cultural life. Such taboos about menstruation present in many societies impact on girls’ and women’s emotional state, mentality, lifestyle and most importantly health. 

        Culturally in many parts of India, menstruation is still considered as impure and dirty.  The origin of the myth dates back to the Vedic times and often been linked to Indra's slaying of Vritras. For, it has been declared in the Veda that guilt, of killing a Brahmin-murder, appears every month as menstrual flow as women had taken upon themselves a part of Indra's guilt. Further, in the Hindu faith, women are prohibited from participating in normal life while menstruating. She must be “purified” before she is allowed to return to her family and day to day chores of her life. But scientifically it is known that the actual cause of menstruation is ovulation followed by missed chance of pregnancy that results in bleeding from the endometrial vessels and is followed by preparation of next cycle. And as per this reason this should not called as “impure”.

            Many girls and women have been restricted to do many of things in daily life. Not entering the mandir in the house, not entering the kitchen of the house till today in many rural areas. It is further believed that menstruating women are unhygienic and unclean and hence the food they prepare can get contaminated. It is believed that menstruation is associated with evil spirits, shame and embarrassment surrounding sexual reproduction. In some cultures, women bury their cloths used during menstruation to prevent them being used by evil spirits. In many parts it is believed that girls’ and women should not touch turmeric, pickles, curd because they may get fungus. While with access to sanitary napkins she can now maintain proper hygiene during those five days and after the seventh day they are purified with water and turmeric. 

       No girls’ or women should be ashamed of menstruation. The red strain on her dress, that spare pad she carries in her bag, they shouldn’t dimish her confidence. It is not enough to worship her as Durga and Kali during Navratri; you must accept her physiology too. So next time you hear the word menstruation or periods, don’t feel alarmed or uncomfortable, talk about it openly with family, friends, brothers and specially male friends. Teach your young girls and boys to do the same.     

- SOUMYA SUCHARITA PANI  

            

Comments

  1. Pratikshya MishraFebruary 9, 2022 at 11:36 AM

    Now a days many of the private companies have started giving period - leaves to women. Conversations around this are generally carried out by women, in families and outside as well. As long as male folks are also not included in the conversation, any change is difficult, since men consider this 'women's department' and dismiss any association with it.. Except a male gynaecologist I wonder if any male is even interested in this.. That's also the part of the problem.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blog forumFebruary 10, 2022 at 1:02 AM

      That's the problem of our society, specially our families they put this things as bad and shameless issues. Only can be discussed with privately... Why should we, this is natural as the pee and shit you all do...

      Delete

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