Chhaupadi : Period Hut Ritual Of Nepal
A 16-year-old girl from Nepal recently died tragically after being banished to a “period hut” as part of the ancient practice of chhaupadi, which considers women and girls unclean and untouchable during menstruation.
- The girl reportedly died from a snake bite while sleeping in the hut.
- Chhaupadi forces teenage girls to stay alone in these huts during their periods. Despite campaigns against the practice, it persists, with animal attacks and smoke inhalation causing fatalities.
- Although chhaupadi was outlawed in 2005, implementation remains weak.
- The tragedy highlights the challenges of eradicating deeply ingrained cultural practices and enforcing legal changes.
- Chhaupadi is an ancient practice in Nepal that deems women and girls unclean and untouchable during menstruation.
- They are forced to stay alone in “period huts” during their menstrual periods, often leading to dangerous situations and fatalities.
- Campaigns have been launched in Nepal to end chhaupadi, leading to the destruction of thousands of period huts.
- Despite legal prohibitions against the practice and advocacy efforts, it continues due to deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and challenges in enforcing legal changes.
