Being a part of an Indian family, I have always been taught to not talk about certain things in public. Ample of social taboos continue to exist in our society. The question is who is wrong?
The free minded and unprejudiced people who don't give any heed to such proscriptions or the people (>60%) who continue to pass on these guidelines to their coming generations.
Talking about the top most cultural taboo for the Indian women. Any guesses?
Yes, the menstrual taboo. I didn't give a second thought before writing on this topic (an obvious lie).
I had to think a lot on whether or not being open about such overcritical issue of females. But is it really that big?
No, it' not. There is nothing wrong in having a period, in speaking of period. Yes, I'm saying it again because I'm no longer ashamed of it. Are you ashamed of being a woman?
No, right?
Then why being shy on something that's very natural and a token, an expression of womanhood.
Personally, my mother had always been very supportive and I've never been barred of living my life when I'm down. But when I see the people especially the mothers or Nanis or Dadis or aunts around me, I always see them prohibiting their daughters about certain things when they are on their periods.
Girls are taught not to touch pickles or curd or milk or the Idols. Not to enter the temples, not to have a head bath during their menstruation cycle. I'm sure many of the women feel embarrassed while buying the sanitary napkins, even I do.
But, the point is, guys, a change starts from within. It's never going to change until we don't bring a change in our mentality.
In future, If I have a daughter, I don't want her to cry when she gets her period for the first time, rather I want her to be happy for taking a transformation from a girl to being a woman. That is something to be proud of and not to be ashamed or embarrassed of.
At last I want to ask, what's more painful? The intolerable cramps that we get during our periods or these social taboos? Is it really a monthly curse?
The answer lies within you my super ladies! Whether to whisper or to stay free?
