In Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, two seventh-grade students, Amrita and Siddhi, were preparing to perform Saraswati Vandana during the village's annual Sharadotsav celebrations when they got their periods.
Traditionally, girls are often discouraged from participating in religious and cultural events during menstruation. However, through menstrual health awareness sessions conducted at their school, Amrita and Siddhi understood that menstruation is a natural process and chose not to step back from the performance. Although their parents were initially hesitant, the girls' confidence and determination encouraged their mothers to support them.
For the first time, girls on their periods participated in Saraswati Vandana in the village. What began as two girls choosing confidence over fear became a meaningful step toward breaking menstrual taboos and building a more inclusive community.