📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Among the hundreds of Durga Pujo pandals that have come up in the city, this one in Central Kolkata is attracting headlines for addressing a significant yet often overlooked issue — menstrual hygiene.
The Durga Puja pandal at ‘Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli’ in Kolkata this year is shattering societal taboos surrounding menstruation and promoting awareness about menstrual hygiene.
The theme of ‘Ritumati’ (menstrual hygiene) has been thoughtfully selected for this year’s puja pandal, driven by the objective of dismantling the longstanding stigma attached to menstruation.
Ellora Saha, the working president of the ‘Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli Sarbojanin Durgotsab’ committee, told ANI, “Menstruation is a natural biological process, and there is no need to hide it. It’s high time we challenge these taboos, and the first step is to bring such issues to the forefront.”
Menstruation is frequently encumbered with a host of restrictions, from women being prohibited from entering the kitchen to limitations on sharing beds with their husbands or even leaving their homes. These misconceptions are exacerbated by a lack of education regarding personal health and hygiene during menstruation.
Ellora Saha advocates for a shift in mindset, urging both boys and girls to approach menstruation from a scientific perspective — seeing it as a straightforward, natural biological process that requires no embellishment or secrecy.
The creation of this groundbreaking pandal, rooted in installation art featuring paintings, models, and graphics, was a labour of love that spanned three months and involved an investment of approximately ₹18 lakh.
“Our puja pandal is centered on menstrual hygiene and weaves together various art forms,” Manash Roy, the artistic force behind the project, told ANI.
This central theme is further manifested in the idols meticulously crafted by Sanatan Paul of Kumartuli, which underscore the crucial message of dismantling menstrual taboos.
The Durga Puja pandal at ‘Pathuriaghata Pancher Palli’ with its focus on menstrual hygiene represents a progressive stride towards raising awareness and destigmatising discussions surrounding menstruation. It challenges deep-seated biases and takes us closer to a more inclusive and informed society.
📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!
