"Doctor, what are periods?" wonders Jiya, the 9-year-old protagonist of the comic book Menstrupedia. This instructional resource explains menstruation to youngsters using captivating stories and emphasizes key hygienic practices such as handwashing before and after using sanitary pads. Farheen Naaz, a menstrual educator, promotes Menstrupedia as the "encyclopedia of periods." She utilizes it to teach children about menstruation hygiene in a pleasant and engaging manner. The book features Characters Mira, Pinki, and Doctor Priya, who teaches the girls about menstruation. The NDTV - Dettol Banega Swachh India campaign, led by Campaign Ambassador Ayushmann Khurrana, envisions a clean and healthy India. Since 2014, the campaign has stressed the interdependence of humans and the environment, with the theme "One Health, One Planet, One Future - Leaving No One Behind." It emphasizes the importance of health care, particularly for disadvantaged communities, and the necessity for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices following COVID-19. The advertisement also covers more general concerns such as air pollution, trash management, and menstrual hygiene. It is consistent with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, which aims to attain open defecation-free status and eradicate diseases, ultimately contributing to a healthier India.

In today's fast-paced society, women frequently strive to be super women.' However, neglecting self-care can cause stress, which can have an affect on both menstruation and mental health. Chronic neglect affects hormonal balance, resulting in agonizing cramps, heavy bleeding, and dangerous illnesses. In her book "Menstruation: Moon, Men, and More," Nirmala Gowda Nayak promotes a holistic approach to menstruation and self-care. Prioritizing self-care promotes physical and emotional well-being, helping women to excel in their roles without compromising their health. The essential self-care routines include: Awareness: Early identification of health concerns is key. Monitoring bodily changes and understanding family history can help address disorders early. Physical Exercise: Engage in regular exercise like yoga, swimming, or walking. WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly for adults. Sleep: Aim for 6-8 hours of deep sleep to support overall health and reduce stress. Nutrition: Consume fresh, organic foods rich in macro and micronutrients. Avoid stress eating and maintain a balanced diet. Supplements: Use natural, plant-derived supplements under medical guidance to replenish essential nutrients. By prioritizing self-care, women can prevent hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and maintain optimal menstrual health, enabling them to excel in their endeavors.

In 2024, menstruation remained stigmatized in India, with deep-rooted cultural taboos characterizing it as 'filthy' or 'impure'. Swara Patel, the creator of The Period Society, works relentlessly to dispel these myths. "Discussing my first period was taboo in my family," Swara recounts. "Some friends are forbidden from entering the kitchen while menstruating, and neighbors isolate themselves, accepting food through closed doors."This stigma fosters shame and prevents essential conversations about women’s health, hindering the goal of achieving gender equality (SDG 5). Swara founded The Period Society in 2019 to combat this. Her organization promotes menstrual equity and fights period poverty by educating youth and distributing eco-friendly period products.“Education empowers individuals to take charge of their health,” Swara states. “It’s crucial for achieving period equity, especially since many lack access to menstrual health information.”A 2016 study found nearly half of the 100,000 Indian girls surveyed were unaware of menstruation until their first period, often thinking they were seriously ill. The lack of education, coupled with taboos, deepens the shame and perpetuates period poverty.To combat misinformation, Swara advocates for medically verified sex education in schools and amplifying public health experts' voices. Her tips for eliminating menstrual stigma include taking women's pain seriously, improving access to reproductive care, and mandating comprehensive sex education.By prioritizing education and healthcare access, Swara and The Period Society strive to create a more informed and equitable society for all menstruators.

Are you curious about switching to menstrual cups? Despite being introduced in the 1930s, menstrual cups have gained popularity recently, largely due to environmental concerns. However, many are hesitant to switch due to unfamiliarity with reusable products. A menstrual cup is a small, flexible silicone device inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. According to Dr. Evonne Ong of Family Planning Australia, there are two main shapes: a bell-shaped cup with a short stem for retrieval and a disc-shaped cup with a tail or string for removal. Unlike cups, discs do not create suction and generally hold more blood. Both options offer unique benefits and ease of use. Dr. Phoebe Holdenson Kimura from the University of Sydney emphasizes that there’s no pressure to switch if you’re happy with your current period products. “It's a good thing women have more choice,” she says, acknowledging that many women prefer pads and that’s perfectly fine. Menstrual cups offer several advantages. They are reusable for up to 10 years, making them an environmentally friendly option. The upfront cost ranges from $20 to $55, which, over time, proves more cost-effective than disposable products. Additionally, disc-shaped versions allow for vaginal penetration during intercourse, unlike tampons. To insert a menstrual cup, wash your hands, relax your pelvic floor, and compress the cup for easier insertion. Once inside, the cup unfolds and forms a seal to prevent leakage. It might take some trial and error to find the right fit and position. Cups should be changed every 8-12 hours, depending on the heaviness of your flow. Cleaning is simple: remove, empty, rinse with water, and reinsert. Cups should be sterilized before first use and before each period. While there’s a minimal risk of infection, cups don’t pose a greater risk than other menstrual products. For those with an intrauterine device (IUD), be cautious during removal to avoid dislodging it. Despite some concerns about irritation or suitability for women with pelvic pain, menstrual cups are a sustainable, cost-effective, and practical alternative to traditional menstrual products.

Menstruation in India is often shrouded in stigma and taboo, with societal norms encouraging women to hide their periods and feel ashamed of this natural process. Amidst this backdrop, the Raja festival in Odisha stands out as a celebration that honors menstruation. Raja Parba, also known as Mithuna Sankranti, marks the onset of the monsoon season and celebrates the feminine aspects of the earth. The festival’s name is derived from "Rajaswala," meaning "menstruating woman." It is believed that Bhudevi, the personification of Earth, undergoes menstruation during these three days in mid-June. The festival unfolds over three days: Pahili Raja, Raja Sankranti, and Basi Raja, with the fourth day, Vasumati Snana, symbolizing Bhudevi’s ritual bath and the end of her menstrual cycle. During Raja Parba, women in Odisha refrain from physical labor, dress in new clothes, adorn themselves with traditional jewelry, and apply aalta on their feet, symbolizing their connection to the earth. They engage in singing folk songs, playing indoor games, and swinging on decorated rope swings. This celebration acknowledges and honors their natural biological process, teaching young girls that menstruation is not something to be hidden or ashamed of, but rather a natural and revered aspect of life. Similar festivals in other Indian states, such as Manjal Neerattu Vizha in Tamil Nadu and Ritu Kala Samskara in Karnataka, celebrate the onset of puberty in girls, further challenging the menstrual stigma.Raja Parba’s celebration of menstruation offers a refreshing contrast to the prevailing negative perceptions, emphasizing that menstruation is a vital and respected part of life, much like the fertility of the earth it symbolizes. This acknowledgment from the community serves as an important lesson in embracing natural bodily processes without shame.

Odisha’s Raja festival, celebrating the onset of monsoon, uniquely honors menstruation and womanhood. But can it really change mindsets and break taboos, or is the revelry just skin-deep? Raja Parba, known for its vivid celebrations, marks the earth's fertility as Mother Earth, or Bhudevi, is believed to undergo menstruation. This festival halts agricultural activities, symbolizing respect for the earth. Women wear new clothes, enjoy festive foods like Poda Pitha, and partake in games, celebrating their connection to the earth. However, the celebration's true impact on societal views about menstruation remains questionable. A 2022 report by PHFI-IIPH with UNICEF and the Odisha government found that 46.9% of the population did not know about menstruation before menarche. Many girls experience fear, embarrassment, or guilt during their first period, reflecting deep-rooted ignorance and stigma.In Odisha, while the Raja festival halts daily work to honor menstruation, many Indian women face harsh realities. They often lack basic menstrual health and hygiene resources, leading to infections and school dropouts. Cultural taboos force women to isolate during their periods, reflecting a contradiction between celebration and everyday treatment. Annual festivals like Ambubachi Mela in Assam also honor menstruation, yet they don't seem to improve the real plight of women. Patriarchal norms continue to control and shame women, treating them as second-class citizens during menstruation. Despite its celebratory nature, Raja fails to address the deep-seated stigma surrounding menstruation. True progress would involve using such festivals to educate and empower women, spreading awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. Remembering the joyous Raja celebrations of my childhood, I now recognize the missed opportunities for education and empowerment. It’s time to extend the dignity and reverence given to divine feminine symbols to the real women experiencing menstruation, breaking taboos and fostering respect and understanding.