8 Women Share The Absurd Period Restrictions That Were Imposed Upon Them

We are in the 21st century and periods are still considered a taboo topic. Although we have come a long way, there is still a long road ahead of us. There are several misconceptions that have resulted in major inconveniences to women.

A lot of women are adviced on what and what not to do during their periods and many of those restrictions are unscientific and downright bizarre. Periods are not something impure or need to be ashamed of.

However there are still people who continue to believe in these restrictions. We asked 8 women what was something that they were told to do during their periods which was absolutely ridiculous. Here is what they said:

Don’t Come Infront Of Brother & Father

“As soon as my periods started, I was told to stay away from my brother and father during those 5 days. Not only stay away from them but not even come in front of them. I was told that I’m impure, therefore they shouldn’t see me during these days.”

- Shipra Thapa, 29 years old

Use Different Washroom

“When I got my periods for the first time, I was in my village. At that time, I was made to feel that something has happened to me and I’m impure. I was told to use a different washroom than the others just because of my periods.”

- Lakshita Singh, 21 years old

Don’t Touch Plants

“I am a plant lover and when I got my period, I was told to not go near the plants, not even to water them.”

- Kumari Rajnigandha, 27 years old

Don’t Touch Pickles

“I have a habit of having pickles with every meal but during my periods, I was told not to touch pickles as it might get impure.”

- Ankita Bangwal, 29 years old

Don’t Enter The Kitchen

“In the past, this rule was made to provide rest and comfort to women during the menstrual cycle as it is a painful time. However, this practice is now misused. I was denied entry to enter the kitchen to get some water and snacks. I couldn’t even enter when I was home alone and needed something.”

- Geetu Katyal, 20 years old

Don’t Touch Earthen Pot (Ghada)

“During summers, I like to drink water from an earthen pot but I was forbidden to touch it as it might get impure.”

- Krati Purwar, 27 years old

Don’t Take Part In Wedding Rituals

“Also, my sister was not allowed to participate in a family wedding as she was on her periods. Not only the ‘pooja’ but she was also not allowed to take part in ceremonies like haldi and mehendi.”

- Krati Purwar, 27 years old

Don’t Enter The Temple

“I have a small temple in my home where my family prays together everyday but I was not allowed to be a part of the prayers during my periods as the temple might get impure.”

- Bhavishya Bir, 21 years old

Sleep On The Floor

“Instead of giving me the required rest, I was told to sleep on the floor during my periods without proper bedding.”

- Rekha Gautam - 45 years old

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