Menstruation and festivals: A historical retrospective

Abstract

Introduction: Menstruation is still stigmatized and shamed worldwide, as well as in India also. Many Hindu festivals and mythological concepts commemorate this significant event in a pubescent girl's life and social, behavioural pattern. Methodology: The discussion is entirely based on secondary data sources from different literature sources available in esteem journals and web pages. Discussion: Most of these festivals and mythological stories indicate that the young girl had reached marriageable age and the celebrations often promote a hetero-normative, patriarchal view of womanhood. This scenario played an essential role in the behavioural pattern of a girl towards her womanhood. Conclusion: Menstruation is a natural physical activity that has been veiled in mythology, endowed with both positive and evil symbolisms, and has been the subject of a wide range of taboos and rites in all traditional societies for as long as records go back. Many misconceptions and cultural misunderstandings about Menstruation still exist today. Nevertheless, the menstruation festival has become a part of social and behavioural life that cannot be ignored.