South Indian Period Ceremonies

by Eesha

Sources:

Family members of Indian origin

Manjal Neerattu Vizha | colourfulindians

(Just a note, the below tradition is not widely in practice in recent years. The tradition is also specifically for girls, so that's why we are using gender-specific language. However, note that not all girls have periods and not all people who have periods are girls)

Photo by Deepak kumar on Unsplash

In Southern India, you could often find proud mothers telling their close friends and relatives that their daughter has become ‘a big girl’ (loosely translated). This was done when a young girl got her period for the first time, and the mother would invite guests to her celebration.

The period celebration, called by various names, is a coming of age ceremony, similar to a Bat Mitzvah in Judaism, except this celebration is done for 4 or 14 days after the girl gets her first period (depending on the family).

The girl is given many expensive gifts, especially from her grandparents and uncles. These can be jewelry, gold, or other gifts, like cups made of silver. Her first sari (traditional clothing worn by women, most similar to a dress) is also typically given by her family and worn during this time. The girl receiving her first sari is an important part of the ceremony, though some people choose to receive other clothing instead, like a chudhidar (akin to a tunic and long tights with a light scarf worn in different ways).

For 10 days after the girl gets her period, she is given healthy food that is high in protein, to strengthen the uterus. Some girls also live in a hut separate from the house, to rest while she’s on her period. These girls may continue to do so until they have menopause, so they don’t wear out and can have time for themselves during their period.

On the last day of the celebration, there is a grand feast for the guests attending, with 20-25 dishes. Traditional South Indian foods are served, like crispy, lentil dumplings, sweets, and other delicacies.

Please note that this is not the case for every South Indian girl or every ceremony. If you’d like to find out more about period ceremonies in India, check out some resources online. Here’s a good website to start with: Manjal Neerattu Vizha | colourfulindians