Durga Puja 2023: Kolkata's 'Durga Puja' Pandal Uses Menstrual Hygiene Theme To Break Taboo Around Periods

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Navratri 2023: Durga Puja is here and from Dhaak beats, pandal hopping, gorging on favorite foods, and shopping; people from Bengali Hindu communities wait for this all year long. However, one cannot deny the interesting themes that the puja pandals think of during Durga Puja. While some are truly mesmerizing and fun to look at, others are created to send social messages.

Recently, Kolkata's 'Pathurighata Pancher Palli' Durga Puja pandal has made headlines for adding a thought-provoking theme and challenging taboos and societal norms around menstruation. They have created a menstrual hygiene theme 'Ritumati' and the initiative was conceived by Ellora Saha, the Working President of the 'Pathurighata Pancher Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsab committee, mentioned in a report by ANI.\

'Menstruation is a natural biological process, and there is no need to conceal it. It's high time we break these taboos, and the first step is to bring such issues to the forefront,' Saha told ANI.

The main artist behind the project is Manash Roy who has used various forms of art to focus on menstrual hygiene and cycles. It took three months to construct the pandal with an investment of Rs 18 lakh. The central theme is embodied in the idols crafted by Sanatan Paul of Kumartuli, which further underlines the message of breaking menstrual taboos, mentioned in a report by ANI.

For those who have a sketchy idea about periods or Menstruation, it is a phenomenon or a process in a woman of discharging blood or vaginal bleeding that occurs as a part of a woman's monthly cycle from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy.

As per Whisper and UNESCO's studies, about 71% of adolescent girls in India remain unaware of menstruation until they get their first period, which adversely affects their confidence and self-esteem. Also, a report by Dasra NGO has pointed out that 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to a lack of menstrual hygiene management facilities, which include the availability of sanitary pads and information about menstruation.

In India and many countries, menstruation is associated with numerous restrictions such as not being able to sleep in the same bed as a husband, attending auspicious events, touching utensils or cooking in the kitchen, leaving the house and even going to temples.

Saha also advocates for a change in mindset for boys and girls to learn about menstruation in a scientific manner and view it as a simple biological process. This he believes will help everyone to discard the glorification or secrecy around periods and ensure that everyone moves towards a progressive and inclusive society.

Image Courtsey: ANI