No Chhaugoth in Darchula

Despite the continuation of the practice of observing chhaupadi (the traditional menstrual rituals), there is no chhaugoth in the district, the part of Far Western State. Chhaugoth is a separate hut meant for the stay of menstruating women and new mothers for a certain period.

During a recent survey conducted by the District Administration Office, Darchula to find out the implementation status of the Home Ministry’s direction for the elimination of chhaupadi practice, no such huts were found. Assistant Chief District Officer Tek Singh Kunwar verified the study findings.

Police visited all 61 wards of nine local levels in the district. A total of 25 police units were mobilised to take stock of the status of chhaugoth.

However, the practice of isolating or refraining menstruating women from doing certain activities for the first certain days continues in the society.

A meeting held with the participations of Chief District Officer Yadunath Poudel, officiating District Attorney Govinda Bahadur Chand and Police Inspector Surendra Prasad Joshi decided to go on with the awareness programmes in regard with the harmful practice which even does not allow women take dairy products during the monthly cycle.

The practice is more prevalent in Lekam, Malikarjun and Shailyashikhar rural municipality in the district. "It is falsely believed women/girls should visit temples and schools, should not touch others and eat milk, curd and ghee at least first four to five days when they are bleeding," said Lekam rural officiating chief administrative officer Narayan Bhatta.