District administration says no Chhautgoth in Baitadi

The District Administration Office, Baitadi has said there is no chhaugoth in the district. Chhaugoth is a makeshift hut where menstruating women and new mothers are made to stay.

The district administration in its report prepared in the aftermath the government’s December 24 direction to demolish chhaugoths in the district stated this.

The report was prepared following consultations with the police units, local levels and stakeholders concerned who were directed to collect information whether chhaugoths are still there or not, according to Chief District Officer Anand Poudel.

However, the practice of observing Chhaupadi continues in the district. Women in monthly cycle stay in isolation and are prohibited from doing certain things and eating dairy products which is locally known as the Chhaupadi in the mid-eastern and far-western regions in Nepal.

It is falsely believed that women in the monthly cycle should stay out of the school and should not visit the temple as well.

"Menstruating women, at least first four to five days, are not allowed to touch others and consume dairy products," said Amita Bohara of Dilashaini.