Culture & conscience

Young women talk about Rishi Panchami

KATHMANDU, Sept 19: After Teej, which is considered one of the most auspicious festivals for Hindu women, comes Rishi Panchami, where Hindu women "beg forgiveness" for the sins they've committed while menstruating.

Legend has it, that the festival came into being when Jayashree, wife of a learned Brahmin, Sumitra, deviated from menstrual strictures. Sumitra, who should have showed the right path to his wife, instead chose to ignore her delinquency and as a result began to lose his intelligence.

Their offense caused them to be reborn as a dog and an ox. Later, upon begging forgiveness from the seven sages, Sumitra and Jayashree were relieved of their sins.

Since then, Hindu women fast on Rishi Panchami, and observe rituals such as washing one's body 365 times, one part at a time. Although such practice isn't as mandatory as it used to be, at least in urban areas, many women find it insulting citing menstruation as a biological truth and not in any way a "sin." On the other hand, there are women who are happy to fast and observe the rituals for the sake of embracing culture. We caught up with few young women to know what they thought about it.

Sadiksha Thapa, 21
Human Resource Director,
Open Space Nepal

Ever since I first heard about Rishi Panchami, I found it absurd. Thanks to my parents who don't pressurize me for doing something I don't believe in, I have never had to sit for such a fast.

Personally, I'm completely against this ritual. I consider menstruation a boon, and I do not want to be sorry about it. Menstruation is the primary reason for the continuation of life on earth. If women didn't menstruate, there would be no babies. So I don't understand why it should be perceived as a curse. I also visit temples during my period, because it doesn't make sense to me to believe that God would be disgusted by earth's sole lifeline. Although there might have been logical reasons for why menstruating women were restricted in a certain way, today it has been misinterpreted. And this is wrong.

Bhawana Gautam, 25
MBA Graduate

When I was young, I used to see my mom and grandma observe the Rishi Panchami puja and I've internalized it now. I've been joining them since the past four years, much upon their insistence, but it also gives me a sense of peace. I find much of our rituals a bit too harsh upon women, but I've experienced that things are taking its own course of change. For example, during my first or second Rishi Panchami puja, my mom would insist on strictly following the "365-times-washing rule" but now she isn't as adamant.

As for the 'apologizing for menstruating' part, I don't buy the 'menstruating is impure' notion to begin with. I take part in Rishi Panchami because I believe that if you do something with a positive set of mind, it will yield positive results.

Prachi Sharma, 19
GEMS

I was just 11 years old when I observed the Rishi Panchami puja for the first time. At that time it was just another custom that was followed by all women in my society. However, as I grew old, I realized that the purity I felt after the ritual was overwhelming. Now, it's way more than that; it's the feeling it leaves behind and I haven't stopped practicing it even though I have an option to. It has not been forced upon us and therefore, those who follow it do it with the purest of intentions. It is strict and has certain principles just like any other custom or tradition, but it's entirely upon one if they wish to practice it or not and as long as that is there, it's acceptable.

Snigdha Amatya, 21
Architect student

Rishi Panchami is an auspicious day, especially for women, and I completely respect that. However, I do not practice it even though my family does. That's the beauty; we aren't forced to observe this day, so the women in my family who are actually practicing it come in pure faith and the sanctity of the belief is maintained. I agree, it does fall a little harshly on women but I'm not the one practicing it and those who are seem pretty content, so I see no room for improvement or change on either ends.

Sushma Dahal, 26
Teacher at St Lauren's College

I do not believe in the practice or tradition of fasting on this particular day. Menstruation is a biological process and there is no need to 'cleanse' ourselves from it. Also, the whole process women go through to cleanse themselves is rather not practical, at least that's what I think. However, my family does strongly preach this and I am not against it. It's their wish and I have been given the liberty to choose for myself. Hence, I don't see why I should raise a finger at those who believe in it. However, the one thing I love about this time of the year is it brings us women together and it's fun to eat, sing, and dance.

Monika Kadel, 20
NIST

Ever since I first had my period, I have been partaking in Rishi Panchami puja. The first experience was interesting because I almost thoroughly followed all the rituals such as biting Datiyun and scrubbing various body parts 365 times. It was a new experience and I always rejoice in trying new things. I also like the fact that festivities like these provide me the opportunity to spend longer time with my cousins and relatives. This Rishi Panchami was another fun filled day because I met up with my cousins and experienced the bliss I normally do whenever I pray. Also, now there's a shortcut to everything, including the rituals, it makes things much easier.

Like many other festivals, Rishi Panchami has its own criticisms, but I like to focus on the positive. I think, in religion, one has the freedom to interpret things in their own way. Thus, I don't apologize for my "sins" on this day; it's doing something new in the year and I attempt on making the best out of it.