What is the Chowpadi tradition of Nepal? Where girls are treated like this during periods

Periods may be a natural process, but it has been associated with everything from superstition to bad luck. This is the reason that many customs related to it have been created around the world.
Nepal is one such country. Even though today we have reached the 21st century, where technology and science have made a lot of progress, but in spite of this, we still promote conservative thinking.
In Nepal also, the Chowpadi ritual associated with periods is performed. Let’s know what is about this practice.
Chowpadi Prath
Girls are kept separately during periods in Nepal. They are kept in a hut or an enclosure where animals are kept.
During this, they are not allowed to meet anyone. Especially the idols of men and gods are not allowed to touch them. Also called ‘Chaupadi’ in other states of Nepal like Achham and ‘Chaukulla’ or ‘Chaukudi’ in Bajhang district.
Apart from this, it is also known as Chhue and Bahirhunu in Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Darchula.
the story behind the custom
The word Chowpadi originated from the western part of Nepal. This practice is a proof of superstition, associated with which is a myth that Lord Indra created periods as a curse.
That’s why during this time women in Nepal are considered impure during periods. they are mistreated.
It is believed that when a woman touches the tree during periods, the tree stops bearing fruit. Touching a man can cause them disease.
linked to bad luck
One reason for segregating women during this time was that it would bring bad luck to their family and cause them health problems.
practice has been banned
This practice was banned by the Supreme Court of Nepal in the year 2005. After this, the law was passed in the year 2017 that if someone forces a woman to do this during periods, then she will be jailed for 3 months and will have to pay a fine of 3000 Nepali rupees. (Learn strange customs related to marriage)
Other customs related to periods
There are many states in India where rituals related to periods are performed. In Tamil Nadu, this custom related to periods is known as ‘Manjal Niratu Visa’.
In Assam, ‘Tulonia Biya’ custom is followed, in which girls were kept separately for about 7 days.
In old times, instead of throwing away the clothes of periods, they are buried. It was believed to attract evil spirits. This cloth was also used to perform black magic.
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