Menstruation

In traditional Hindu culture all bodily
discharges are considered to be a source
of ritual impurity (ashaucha). Women
are considered ritually unclean during
their menstrual periods; menstrual
fluid is considered a source of impurity.
However, menstruation is also
considered a sign of auspiciousness or
good fortune, since it indicates women’s
reproductive capacities. The ritual
observances and taboos for menstruating women vary widely between differing social groups. In some groups,
women are subject to only a few restrictions, such as a ban on entering temples
during that time. In other groups,
women are expected to confine themselves to certain parts of the house and
to refrain from everyday activities such
as cooking. Although such strict practice
sounds oppressive, for many women
this interval was prized as a monthly
respite from their everyday duties,
which would be performed by the other
women in the household.