Period Celebration: Parents Celebrating Daughter's Periods In Uttarakhand Is Proof That There Is A Glimmer Of Hope

In a country where periods continue to be a hush-hush affair, a family recently celebrated their daughter's first-period cycle with a big party. A family in Udham Singh Nagar, Kashipur, Uttarakhand had a big party at their home to celebrate their daughter's first period. 

The family celebrated their home with a lot of pink balloons and got a white and red cake for their daughter. 

Menstruation Is The Most Sacred Religion In The World: Says The Daughter's Father

Jitendra Bhatt, the father of the girl, is a music teacher by profession. In an interview with a new channel, Bhatt shared that he did this celebration to give out a message in society that menstruation is the most sacred religion in the world. He said, "When I was young, I did not know much about it. As I grew older, I noticed that women and girls were looked down upon for having periods or even talking about it. If a woman touches anything at this time, then it is considered impure. I thought of celebrating my daughter’s first period to remove all these misconceptions. It is not a disease of impurity or untouchability but a day of happiness." Reportedly, the family's neighbours were quite happy to see this initiative taken by Jitendra and his family. 

Image Courtesy: India Today

We inhabit a world where daughters are schooled to keep mum about menstruation, are put to shame for period stains, made to drop out of school due to periods. Amidst the chain of menstrual taboos that continue to exist in India, a family celebrating their daughter's first period is truly a glimmer of hope. 

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Menstruation (Period myths) is a life-changing event and its commencement does deserve a big party. First periods are interestingly celebrated in South India too. Down South, periods are believed to be one of the most important events of a girl's life and thus the celebrations are grand, as big as a wedding. Friends and family are invited to the ceremony and bring blessings and gifts for the girl. The girl is also given new clothes and a 'grih-pravesh' ceremony is performed.

Reasons Why We Should Celebrate Our Daughter's First Period

Though Jitendra Bhatt and his family’s decision to celebrate their daughter’s first period serves enough inspiration for all of us to commemorate menstruation, if you are looking for some more, here you go - 

• Periods are a natural phenomenon but they bring a powerful change in our lives. Celebrating it is just the perfect way to send out a message that it's normal and no shame should be associated with it. 

• A healthy period signifies a girl's transition to womanhood. As the girl steps into the new phase, she needs everyone's love and support. 

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• In our country, way too many period taboos continue to exist and a celebration can be your way to let your daughter know that she shouldn't let the stigmas affect her. 
• Though periods are painful (tips to deal with menstrual cramps), having regular periods is proof that the body is functioning properly, and what better reason to celebrate it?