Tragic Deaths Highlight the Dangers of Chhaupadi Tradition in Nepal

A Heartbreaking Incident in Bajura, Nepal

Bajura District, Nepal. In a small hut, Amba Bohra was found dead alongside her two children. Family members discovered their lifeless bodies after opening the door in the morning. The blankets they had used for warmth were burned, and Amba's feet were severely scorched.

It is suspected that Amba and her children died from suffocation, as they had sought refuge in the hut without any windows. The smoke from a fire in the confined space likely caused their tragic demise.

However, one might wonder why a mother would choose to sleep in such conditions with her children during the freezing weather 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 still prevalent. This practice forces women and girls who are menstruating to be isolated in huts away from their homes.

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

These huts can be communal or designated for individual households. In lower-income areas, multiple families may share a single hut for this purpose. In some cases, where space is limited, girls and women are forced to stay in a secluded corner of their homes during their menstrual periods.

Moreover, women experiencing their periods are prohibited from touching any household items, cooking, entering the kitchen, or using the toilet. There is a widespread belief that their presence indoors would anger the deities.

Although the Chhaupadi practice has been outlawed in Nepal, it is still widely observed. The law classifies this tradition as a crime, imposing fines of up to three thousand rupees and/or three months of imprisonment for families who enforce it. Yet, many continue to adhere to this harmful practice.

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