Eradicating Chhaupadi still a challenge in Bajura

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Mar. 11: Local authorities and the police administration in Bajura district are facing significant challenges in eliminating the practice of Chhaupadi.

The Chhaupadi, the practice of banishing women to secluded huts (Chhaugoth) during their menstrual cycles and postpartum period, has continued to exist in all nine local levels of the district. 

Due to this social evil, many women had lost their lives prematurely.

Although local authorities have repeatedly conducted campaigns to demolish Chhaugoths (menstrual huts), the practice remains deeply rooted in the community.

The continued existence of the Chhaupadi is largely attributed to shamans and even educated women who uphold the belief. 

A few years ago, some menstruating women started sleeping inside their homes. 

However, shamans instilled fear by claiming that deities had been angered. As a result, locals have resumed building Chhaugoths and continued staying there during their menstrual periods.

Every year, local authorities demolish Chhaugoths, but locals keep on rebuilding them, creating a repetitive cycle.

Despite recognising Chhaupadi as a harmful tradition, many women are still forced to stay in these huts due to their deep-rooted fear of shamans.

In most villages, the practice of sending menstruating women and girls away from their homes to stay in Chhaugoths has remained unchanged over time.

Rita BK (name changed), a local of Budhiganga Municipality-10, said that being unable to stay inside the house during menstruation has put her life in danger.

She said, “During menstruation, we have to go to the forest to collect fodder and firewood. The day’s work leaves us exhausted, and we just want a good night's sleep. But because we are forced to sleep in Chhaugoths, we spend the night in distress.”

Shamans create fear in the community, preventing women from sleeping inside their homes. As a result, many lives remain at risk due to Chhaupadi, a local explained.

On January 9, 2019, a fire broke out in a Chhaugoth in Budhinanada Municipality-9, killing a 35-year-old mother, Amba Bohara, and her two sons, Suresh Bohara, 9, and Ramit Bohara, 7, who were inside it.

Following this incident, a campaign was launched, demolishing nearly 511 Chhaugoths in the district. However, these huts have since been rebuilt in various villages.

According to Deputy Chief of the Bajura District Police Office, Dev Bahadur Chaudhary, 29 Chhaugoths have been identified in Budhiganga Rural Municipality, specifically in Nuwakot, Sigada, Bhandargaun, Jhargau, Badeda, Timada and Selapakha.

A few years ago, most wards in Badimalika Municipality were declared Chhaugoth-free. However, 23 huts have now been reconstructed.

A total of 23 Chhaugoths were found, five in Ward No.1, one in Ward No. 8, and 15 in Ward No.7. Badimalika Municipality has now re-launched a campaign to demolish them again.

“In the coming days, we will demolish these newly built Chhaugoths,” said Nanda Thapa, Deputy Chief of Badimalika Municipality.