Traditional Beliefs and Practices Regarding Menstruation: A Study from Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

Menstruation is a momentous event in any women's life. However, in some areas of Himachal, it is still considered impure and dirty. The discussion about menstruation openly is not considered a welcome step at certain places of Himachal Pradesh. It is considered a matter of shame there; even mothers do not feel comfortable discussing menses with their daughters. The present study is conducted in panchayat Bharech of district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. The main objectives of the study are to determine the socio-economic conditions, level of awareness about menstruation among rural women, different socio-religious practices women follow during their menstruation. An exploratory study design was used to understand the problem more clearly. The study found that the married women in the villages are still following the practice of seclusion. They are considered untouchable during their menstruation. They are not allowed to touch anything or anybody because they believe that they are impure and impure blood is flushing out in the form of menstruation. The study concluded that the people of Himachal have a deep faith in God, and they link menstruation with impurity. People believe that their local deities will punish them if they do not follow these practices which are followed for ages. After knowing that the topic of research is closely related to the religious sentiments of the rural people all the interventions must be planned in such a way that these sentiments are not hurt and changes are still made.

Keywords: Menstruation, women, rural areas, misconceptions, seclusion