By Zabitah Resha
Often we only talk about the taboo behind menstruation. Menstruation is often considered impure or dirty in traditional Indian culture, leading to various restrictions and discriminatory practices for centuries. But do we know in our country we have a few states and sections of society who celebrate the First Period of a girl. The celebration of a girl's first period is known by various names and is observed differently across different states and cultures. This milestone in a girl's life is often seen as a significant event and is celebrated to mark her entry into womanhood. While the specific traditions and customs may vary, here are a few examples of states in India where the first period of girls is celebrated.
in picture: Manjal Neerattu from Tamil Nadu
In Tamil Nadu, the celebration is termed as "Manjal Neerattu Vizha " and is also considered to be a 'Samskara'. The event is a ritualistic and is of religious importance. Unlike other events which are guided by male priest ,this event is particularly performed by the women in the family.
In Assam the celebration is called "tuloni biya " where the celebration is pomp and grandeur and the entire society along with friends and families are invited to the girl's house. She wears traditional Assamese attire with gold and jewellery.
The girl is asked not to do any household chores and is kept secluded for 7 days from society and family. The celebration is celebrated as a wedding day.
In picture: tuloni biya from Assam
In Andhra Pradesh the girl gets her gifts from dear and near ones and the ceremony is known as "Pedamanishi Pandaga" to be celebrated on the onset of menstruation.
in picture: tuloni biya from Assam
In Odisha, the celebration of a girl's first menstruation is known as "Raja Parba" or "Raja Festival." Raja Prabha is a three-day festival that is widely observed throughout the state and holds a special significance for women and girls. While Raja Prabha is not solely dedicated to celebrating menarche, it is a festival where the onset of menstruation and the fertility of women are honoured.
In Karnataka, the celebration of a girl's first menstruation is known as “Ritushuddhi or Ritu Kala Samskara." Also, many term it as ‘Half saree ‘ function . While the practices may vary among different communities and regions within the state, the underlying purpose of the celebration remains the same—to acknowledge and honour the girl's entry into womanhood.
It's important to note that customs and practices associated with menstruation celebration can vary across different regions and communities within Karnataka. Some communities may have specific rituals or variations in the way the ceremony is conducted. The overall objective of these celebrations is to embrace the girl's journey into womanhood, create a supportive environment, and provide her with the necessary knowledge and guidance for a healthy and empowered life.
Though these celebrations too have some sort of rituals which keeps the girl away from society and family for the first few days or weeks, but the practises definitely celebrate womanhood in pomp and grandeur which needs to be acknowledged.