‘Earlier During My Periods, I Wouldn't Bathe for 4 or 5 Days’: Now Bihar’s Girls Are Asking Why

“Earlier, during my periods, I would not bathe for four or five days,” says Sitara Devi (name changed), sitting outside her mud house in a village in Gaya district. For years, this felt completely normal.

Growing up with myths

Sitara is not alone. Across Bihar, generations of women have grown up believing menstruation is something to hide, tolerate silently, and never discuss openly.

Stories that stayed

As journalist Surbhi Kumari travelled through rural Bihar, she heard stories like Sitara’s again and again. Each conversation revealed how strongly menstrual taboos still impact lives.

The cost of silence

Many girls missed school during their periods. Women avoided kitchens and temples, and they even avoided bathing for days. Over time, misinformation settled into everyday life and decided what women could and could not do.

A question followed her

Why were women still carrying the burden of shame around a natural biological process? The question stayed with Surbhi long after her reporting assignments ended.

Choosing a different path

Finally, she made a decision that surprised many. She left her journalism career and returned to Bihar, determined to create change from the ground up.

Birth of Periodshala

She founded Periodshala, a grassroots initiative where girls and women could talk freely about menstruation, ask questions, and access reliable information.

Breaking the first barrier

At first, many women sat quietly during the sessions. Slowly, they began to whisper to one another, and those hesitant whispers grew into open conversations. Questions left unasked for years finally found answers.

Change begins to spread

Women who once followed restrictive practices began challenging old beliefs. They carried these discussions into their homes, schools, and communities.

Creating opportunities

The initiative expanded beyond awareness. Rural women were trained to manufacture affordable biodegradable sanitary pads, creating both access and livelihoods.

Thousands reached

Over the years, Periodshala has reached more than 25,000 women and girls across Bihar, helping them make informed choices about menstrual health and hygiene.

One story, many futures

Today, when women like Sitara speak openly about periods, it signals something bigger. A silence that lasted generations is finally beginning to break.