A picture today of women who have turned 20 posing, wearing masks and traditional kimonos in Japan triggered a thought about coming of age.
The turning point in a woman’s life is her coming of age . In India there are many traditions and customs associated with this . Puberty rituals in India are usually seen in most of Southern India and a few more states. All the rituals with slight differences involve confinement ,nutritious food and some places with ceremonial feasts.
The ceremony of Saddangu (Tamil Nadu), Aashirvada (Karnataka) or Tuloni Biyah (Assam) are some to name of .
However, how the girl involved looks forward to these traditions or best duck out still remains to be discussed. We may be aware of certain practices and rituals followed for ages but what about a modern twist to this by not just discussing at home but visiting the gynecologist to understand this new change…after all it’s normal !!! Are we not entitled to a better scientific explanation happening every month in our bodies? A coming of age practice should not be isolation but inclusion. Community participation ensures better awareness amongst people of all ages and adopting an eco-friendly approach to this could be the modern much-needed twist.
Why leave men behind in this discussion don’t they reach puberty? Let’s not make it gender-oriented. The modern period leaves happening in some organisations I am not sure how healthy or inclusive it is to give privileges to something so normal.
There are many perspectives, beliefs on this as there are controversies. Let’s try and come of age when it comes to following healthy practices.
Reflections 