A couple from Tribeni, Kolkata, celebrated their daughter's first menstruation, challenging societal taboos and stigma. Thirty-two-year-old Moumita Das posted pictures of 12-year-old Ahona and the celebration on social media. The post was flooded with congratulatory messages from netizens.
Breaking the Silence
“A decade ago, I watched a video of how an American couple celebrated their daughter’s menarche on social media. Their act encouraged me to do the same for my daughter,” recalled Das. She explained the physiological and biological significance of menstruation to her daughter. “Everything happened suddenly on June 6 morning, and I decided to skip work and stay with my daughter,” she said.
Family Support
“Our shop was kept closed for the day to support Ahona. I also gifted her two sets of T-shirts and trousers,” said her father, Prasenjit, 33. The couple owns a fusion tea shop near a fish market in Tribeni. “I was initially frightened and skipped school and tuition on that day. My mother was very comforting, explained what was happening, and then brought a cake for me, making it memorable. She gave me a silver earring as well,” recounted Ahona, who rejoined school on Monday.
Ahona’s maternal uncle, Megh Koley, a cinematographer and professional photographer, also spent the day with the Das family. “It is time we break the taboo that prevails in our society over menstruation. Maa Kamakhya, the goddess of fertility, has blessed her,” he said.
