Tuloni Biya and its impact on menstrual health: A qualitative exploration of the menstrual experiences of adolescent girls in Assam

Abstract

MotivationThe status of menstrual health (MH) and hygiene management is very low in India due to a widespread culture of silence and secrecy regarding menstruation but, among the Hindu community in the north‐east state of Assam, the celebration of Tuloni Biya is a significant cultural event that openly celebrates a girl's menarche.PurposeAssuming that this cultural event is indicative of the openness of society towards menstruation, this study explores the cultural celebration of menarche and its various lesser‐known details. It aims to find out the role of this celebration of menarche on adolescent girls' MH preparedness.Methods and approachA qualitative approach is used. In‐depth interviews were conducted with well‐informed community members to gather information on the historical background of this cultural event; interviews with some adolescent girls from the community to learn about their experiences of menstrual management and the impact of Tuloni Biya.FindingsThe main purpose of celebrating Tuloni Biya among the Assamese Hindu community is to announce when a girl reaches puberty because the celebration of the power of fertility gives girls and women the social status of being fertile, which the community regards as worthy of respect. Notwithstanding the lack of silence and secrecy about menstruation, the social taboo and stigma still remain. Assam continues to perform poorly in relation to MH, and the cultural celebration of menarche in Assam does not appear to have any significantly positive impact in this regard.Policy implicationsTuloni Biya could be used as a development tool for bringing constructive changes in MH preparedness in the community, for instance, by celebrating Tuloni Biya (cultural customs and rituals) and the celebration of menstruation (MH education and literacy); through knowledge‐sharing sessions by teachers on the occasion of Tuloni Biya; arranging the gifts of kits for MH management from the Health Ministry of Assam on the occasion of Tuloni Biya; training of mothers by the public health system in how to use the opportunity of Tuloni Biya to equip their daughters with adequate information and guidance on MH.