Menstruation, is a universal topic for every girl and woman after a certain age. Because of this, they face so many mood swings, physical problems as well as mental problems. Everyone is aware that menstruation prepares a woman's body for the conception of a future baby, or we can say for a comfortable and healthy motherhood. But the menstrual phase is unbearable. According to Hindu mythology, there is another reason behind menstruation.
According to Hindu mythology, the lunar cycle is a curse or recapture of a sin not committed by women. They just bear the burden of others' immorality in the form of menstruation and there is another crowned head of heaven, according to Hindu mythology named Indra. According to the Bhagwat Purana, once 'Brihaspati' was the Guru or teacher of the gods; rage at Indra and leave heaven. After leaving Guru Brihaspati, the demons attacked heaven and captured Indra's throne. Then he went to Lord Brahma and asked for help to get back his throne. Lord Brahma advised him to serve "Brahma Gnana"; so that he can return to his place in paradise. After that Indra Dev served a Brahmin named 'Vishwarupa' but Indra was unaware of the fact that Vishwarupa's mother was a demon. Therefore, he has a special place in his heart for demons, and he served the sacrifices first to demons, instead of God. When Indra learned of this, he became angry and cut off the sage's head in anger; who was a Brahmin as well as his master. Hence he becomes responsible for the sin of 'Brahma Hatya' and also 'GuruHatya'. After their demise, Vishwarupa turned into 'Brahmarakshas' (Demon, after the unnatural death of Brahman) and followed Indra everywhere. Indra then hid in a flower and prayed to Lord Vishnu (the Preserver of the Universe). Vishnu advised him that he must get rid of this sin. Therefore, Indra divided his sin into 4 parts and asked the river, tree, soil and women to accept this sin by offering boons. Menstruation is the result of this guilt that women inflict every month, a crime they do not commit.
It is a fact that menstruation is considered taboo in India today. Then it is also celebrated as a welcome festival, welcoming new existence, new journeys, the journey from girl to woman, welcoming womanhood and the future mother who addresses the new life in her womb. In various states of India, the last day of the 1st period is celebrated with certain kinds of rituals. Guests and relatives come to the residence of menstruating girls to celebrate the occasion with gifts, as is customary during a wedding. The girl wears new clothes, jewelry and so on. And some kinds of worship and ritual practices are also performed.
The period is celebrated as a carnival, but each year in mid-June there are two festivals that celebrate menstruation. The name of these festivals is one is 'Raja Festival' and the other is 'Ambubachi Mela'. Raja festival is celebrated in Odisha region which means menstruation. Mother Earth is believed to menstruate during this period.
Ambubachi Mela is celebrated in Assam. It is the festival of menstruation. There is a temple called 'Kamakhya Temple' in Assam. During this festival, Goddess Kamakhya is believed to menstruate, hence the temple is closed for 3 days and worship of the Goddess is prohibited during this time. Then after 3 days the temple reopened, the ritual bath of mother Kamakhya took place and worship started again and this 'Ambuachi Mela' or 'Fair' takes place at this place.
These two carnivals recognize the importance of menstruation in a woman's life. They argue that menstruation is not a taboo or a curse, but a process as natural as rain drizzling on a green pasture. This holiday celebrates womanhood.
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