Tribal women continue menstrual seclusion practice in Thalavadi Hills in Erode

The Hindu

a day ago

In several tribal hamlets of the Thalavadi Hills, adolescent girls and women continue the long-standing practice of menstrual seclusion, staying in small, separate rooms outside their homes during their monthly cycles.
Though not enforced by any external authority, the practice is deeply rooted in religious and cultural beliefs. Women voluntarily refrain from entering their homes and use separate utensils for four days every month, viewing it as an act of devotion to deities such as Jadasamy, Mariamman, Rangasamy, Madeswaran, and Nanjundeshwara. Food is delivered in utensils at the doorstep without direct contact, and women are required to remain inside the room throughout their cycle. Their interaction with family members and neighbours is minimal, and they are not allowed to participate in social activities during this period. Both educated and uneducated women uphold the tradition, which has been passed down through generations.
The isolation rooms, typically small spaces accommodating two to three women, are either attached to homes or shared within the community. The practice is prevalent in Kalithimbam, Ittarai, Thadasalatti, Mavanatham, Mavallam, Pudukadu, and Gethesal hamlets, located within and beyond Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in the hilly region.
A 27-year-old woman from Mavallam, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the practice stems from long-standing taboos. 'We know there is no stigma. But we strongly believe in our deities, and we will follow this practice,' said the mother of two. Among the 35 tribal families in the hamlet, many women have studied only up to Class 8 before dropping out. Another woman, aged 33, echoed the sentiment, saying, 'We won't break the customs. It has been followed for generations.'
Though some men claimed they had no objection to women entering homes during menstruation, in practice, many preferred that the tradition be maintained.
In response, the Sathyamangalam-based Rights Education and Development Centre (READ) has begun conducting awareness campaigns in the hamlets, promoting a scientific understanding of menstruation and advocating for gender equality. The campaign emphasises that menstruation is a natural biological process, not associated with impurity or religious defilement.
At a recent awareness programme in Mavallam, part of Hasanur panchayat, READ Director R. Karuppasamy urged residents not to exclude women or expose them to physical and emotional risks. 'This is not about challenging faith, but about understanding science. Menstruation is natural and has no link to theettu (ritual impurity),' he said.
Mr. Karuppasamy also highlighted serious safety concerns, particularly the risk of wild elephant attacks faced by women staying outside in forest-fringe villages near the reserve.
As part of its long-term strategy, READ plans to select two youths from each hamlet for intensive training to serve as peer educators. These trained individuals will help sensitise communities, especially men, to menstrual health, safety, and inclusion.
'Menstrual isolation is not only unscientific, but also a form of gender-based violence against a vulnerable group,' Mr. Karuppasamy said. He clarified that the initiative did not aim to undermine religious beliefs, but sought to protect the health, dignity, and rights of women.