Touching the Pickle Jar: Demystifying Period Myths in India

For generations, menstruation has been surrounded by myths, taboos, and misconceptions in India. These beliefs, often passed down through families and communities, have shaped how girls and women experience their periods. While many of these practices are rooted in tradition, they continue to reinforce stigma, gender inequality, and misinformation.

Despite growing awareness about menstrual health, millions of girls and women still face restrictions during their periods. From being excluded from religious spaces to being discouraged from participating in daily activities, these myths can have a lasting impact on their confidence, education, health, and wellbeing.

Where Did These Myths Come From?

Many cultural beliefs surrounding menstruation can be traced back to ancient traditions and religious interpretations. In Hindu mythology, menstruation is sometimes associated with a story in which Lord Indra, after committing the sin of Brahma-hatya (the killing of a Brahmin), was instructed to divide his burden among the Earth, trees, water, and women. According to this narrative, women received both the blessing of creating life and the burden of menstruation.

While such stories have influenced cultural perceptions over centuries, menstruation itself is a natural biological process—not a curse, punishment, or impurity.

Unfortunately, these beliefs continue to shape the experiences of many girls and women today. A 2016 study by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), which analysed data from over 97,000 girls across India, found that:

• 8 out of 10 girls were not allowed to enter places of worship during menstruation.
• 6 out of 10 were restricted from entering the kitchen or touching food.
• 3 out of 10 were made to sleep separately during their periods.

For many, menstrual myths are not simply stories—they are a lived reality.

Common Menstrual Myths in India

Myth 1: Menstrual Blood Is Dirty

One of the most widespread misconceptions is that menstrual blood is impure or unhygienic.

In reality, menstruation is a normal biological process. When pregnancy does not occur, the uterus sheds its lining, which exits the body through the vagina along with blood and tissue. Menstrual blood is no different from blood flowing through the rest of the body and is not dirty or toxic.

Myth 2: Women Should Not Enter Places of Worship

In many communities, menstruating women are discouraged or prohibited from entering temples, mosques, or other places of worship.

While these restrictions are often justified as religious traditions, attitudes are gradually evolving. Significant legal and social developments, including the Supreme Court’s landmark Sabarimala judgment, have challenged discriminatory practices and reinforced the principle of equal access.

Faith and menstruation do not have to be mutually exclusive. Menstruation is a natural part of life and should not determine a person’s ability to participate in spiritual or religious activities.

Myth 3: Women Should Not Cook or Enter the Kitchen

Many girls are told not to cook, touch food, or enter the kitchen during their periods because they may “contaminate” food.

There is absolutely no scientific evidence to support this belief. Menstruation does not affect a person’s ability to prepare food or maintain hygiene. Such restrictions only reinforce the notion that menstruating individuals are somehow impure or incapable.

Myth 4: Women Should Not Bathe, Touch Plants, or Interact with Animals

Another common belief is that menstruating women should avoid bathing, touching plants, or interacting with cows and other animals.

These myths stem from misconceptions about impurity and contamination. In reality, bathing during menstruation is not only safe but also helps maintain hygiene and comfort. Similarly, periods have no impact on plants, animals, or the environment.

Myth 5: Menstruating Women Should Sleep Separately

In several parts of rural India, menstruating girls and women are expected to stay in separate rooms, sheds, or huts during their periods.

Such practices can expose women and girls to serious risks, including poor living conditions, isolation, health concerns, animal attacks, and even violence. Beyond physical dangers, social exclusion can also contribute to feelings of shame, loneliness, and low self-esteem.

Myth 6: Certain Foods Should Be Avoided During Periods

Many people believe that foods such as curd, tamarind, pickles, or sour foods can negatively affect menstrual flow or fertility.

There is no scientific evidence supporting these claims. A balanced and nutritious diet is important throughout the menstrual cycle. In fact, staying hydrated and consuming nutrient-rich foods can help manage common symptoms such as fatigue and cramps.

Myth 7: Exercise During Periods Is Harmful

Some girls are told to avoid sports, exercise, or physical activity while menstruating.

In reality, moderate physical activity can help improve mood, increase energy levels, and reduce menstrual cramps. Every individual experiences menstruation differently, but there is no medical reason to avoid exercise solely because of a period.

Myth 8: Menstrual Cloth Must Be Hidden or Buried to Prevent Evil Spirits

In some communities, menstrual cloths are hidden, buried, or disposed of secretly due to fears of black magic or evil spirits.

These beliefs are rooted in superstition rather than science. Menstrual materials should be washed, dried, and disposed of safely and hygienically—not out of fear or shame.

The Impact of Menstrual Myths

Menstrual myths do more than spread misinformation—they limit opportunities and affect the lives of millions of girls and women.

Education and School Attendance

Period stigma often contributes to school absenteeism and dropout rates. According to the 2014 Spot On! report by Dasra, approximately 23 million girls in India drop out of school every year due to inadequate menstrual health management and related challenges.

Limited Access to Information

Taboos surrounding menstruation prevent open conversations about puberty, reproductive health, and menstrual hygiene. As a result, many girls begin menstruating without understanding what is happening to their bodies.

Health Risks

Lack of awareness and limited access to safe menstrual products can force girls and women to use unsafe alternatives such as old cloth, newspaper, husk, or plastic bags. This can increase the risk of infections and other health complications.

Social Exclusion

Restrictions during menstruation often prevent girls and women from participating in family, community, cultural, and religious activities, leading to feelings of isolation and exclusion.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

Repeated messages that periods are dirty, shameful, or impure can negatively affect self-esteem and mental health. Feelings of embarrassment, guilt, and anxiety often accompany menstruation in environments where stigma persists.

It’s Time to Break the Myths

Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life. Yet myths and taboos continue to limit opportunities, silence conversations, and undermine the dignity of millions of girls and women.

Changing these deeply rooted beliefs requires open dialogue, accurate information, inclusive education, and community engagement. Families, schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and community leaders all have a role to play in creating a future where menstruation is understood—not feared.

Because life should not stop when periods start.

And neither should a girl’s education, confidence, freedom, or dreams.