Tragic Death of Mother and Children Highlights Chhaupadi Tradition in Nepal

A heartbreaking incident in Nepal's Bajura district reveals the tragic consequences of the Chhaupadi tradition, which forces menstruating women into isolation. Amba Bohra and her two children lost their lives due to suffocation in a hut, highlighting the dangers of this outdated practice. Despite being banned by law, Chhaupadi continues to be observed in many communities. An NGO, Be Artsy, is working to combat this issue by providing menstrual cups to girls, allowing them to remain at home during their periods. This article explores the implications of Chhaupadi and the ongoing efforts to protect women's rights in Nepal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 10:18 IST

A Heartbreaking Incident in Bajura, Nepal

Bajura District, Nepal. In a small hut, Amba Bohra was found lifeless alongside her two sons. When family members opened the door in the morning, they discovered Amba and her children had perished. The blankets they used for warmth had burned, and Amba's feet were severely burned.

It is believed that Amba and her children died from suffocation, as they had slept in the hut without any windows. The enclosed space filled with smoke during the night, leading to their tragic fate.

However, one might wonder why a mother would choose to sleep in such a confined space with her children during the harsh winter in western Nepal. The answer lies in the fact that Amba was experiencing her menstrual cycle.

In the western regions of Nepal, where the Hindu population is significant, the Chhaupadi tradition is prevalent. This practice forces women and girls who are menstruating to be isolated in a hut.

According to this tradition,
Unmarried girls must stay in a hut for six days.
Married women with both sons and daughters must remain for five days.
Women with only daughters are required to stay for seven days.

These huts can be communal or private, with some low-income areas having shared huts for multiple households. In regions where space is limited, girls and women are often forced to stay in a secluded corner of their homes during their menstrual periods.

Moreover, those menstruating are prohibited from touching any household items, cooking, entering the kitchen, or using the toilet. There is a belief that if menstruating women enter the house, it will anger the deities.

Although the Chhaupadi practice has been banned by law in Nepal, it is still widely practiced. The law classifies this tradition as a crime, imposing a fine of three thousand rupees and/or three months of imprisonment for those who force women or girls out of their homes. Yet, the impact of this law seems minimal on those who adhere to the tradition.

An NGO named Be Artsy has been distributing menstrual cups to girls suffering due to the Chhaupadi practice in western Nepal. Over the year, many girls reported that using menstrual cups allowed them to be considered clean by their families, enabling them to sleep inside the house. Since menstrual cups do not require frequent disposal and do not produce odor, girls faced fewer obstacles in attending school and could live more comfortably at home.