By Panchami: The Impurity Scam
“Brr,” I agonized as the cold liquid seeped into my clothing. It was three am in the morning and I was dunking into some river far away from home.
“Hundred more rounds, then you will be done.” My grandmother exclaimed from the back.
Cursing, I dived into the cold water. As I emerged out with algae and moss on my hair and dirt all over my body, my grandmother smiled.
“You performed the sanctification process well. It’s a pity your mother cannot join; both of you could be pure had she not bled.” She exclaimed, handing me the banana leaf. “Wipe yourself three hundred and sixty-five times.”
“How am I clean when my arms and legs are covered in mud and my hair is a slobbering mess?” I rolled my eyes at her.
“It is all to purify your misdeeds. The “Panchami” puja is the only way the divinity will consider condoning your sins.” She informed me.
“Misdeeds?” I inquired.
“It is an offense when a bleeding woman enters the kitchen or public space, shows her face to the men, or if she takes part in holy duties. A woman during her time of the month is bad luck.”
I was stunned. I was up at such an unreasonable hour only for some holy spirit to excuse me of the actions I didn’t even know were crimes. Also, the fact that I was forced to be part of something that contradicts my beliefs and aspirations infuriated me.
“What are you toiling about? The sun will rise soon.” My grandmother drags me by my arm. *
Upon reaching home, I ran up to my parent’s room and woke my sleeping mother.
“Not you too. You are educated and have seen the world.” I cried to my mother.
“It’s tradition.” She whispered.
“You taught me to celebrate my period. You taught me that this is the only ‘bloodshed” which means no harm and runs by nature. And now I am being asked to contradict these teachings?”
“Your words indicate blasphemy.” My father warned.
“I do not wish to be a part of something that belittles my endeavor. You taught me that my gender does not limit my options. I respect those teachings because there is no way to negate them. However, for something as atrocious as this, I refuse to respect them.” I proclaimed.
“Why look down upon a process that is the by-product of the same natural process that allows women to be mothers and brings so much joy?” My voice cracked. “You cannot compel me to be a part of something that goes against my principles.”
For then the puja was canceled. But, my path was not one without thorns.
Whoever said that “It may be easy to change the world but revolution inside the house is the most difficult” said it true. It wasn’t easy convincing my family that there is no crime associated with menstruation. It takes time but the key to bringing about any change is persistence. With mine, I am in the process of convincing those around me that this is not impurity.
Photo From Pexels
You May Also Like:
Woes Of A Worrier | Story by Shreeansha Bhattarai [Offline Thinker]
Follow Offline Thinker on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can send us your writings at connect.offlinethinker@gmail.com
