Celebrating Festivals on Your Period

Celebrating Festivals on Your Period

Festivals have always been my favorite time of the year — moments filled with laughter, colors, food, and togetherness. Growing up, I’d eagerly wait for them, imagining bright diyas, music, and the smell of freshly made sweets wafting through the air. But as a woman in her mid-thirties, I’ve had more than a few occasions where all that joy arrived hand-in-hand with an uninvited guest — my period.

When Joy Meets Cramps

Anyone who’s ever had their period during a celebration knows the struggle — it’s as if the universe plays a little prank, dropping cramps, bloating, and paranoia about leaks right into the middle of your plans. I’ve experienced it at almost every major festival — Diwali, Holi, Eid — and each time, it’s a blend of laughter, discomfort, and quiet self-management.

The Diwali Dilemma

It was Diwali — the festival of lights and endless energy. I had spent the whole morning decorating the house, making rangoli, and planning my outfit. Everything was perfect — until my period arrived, uninvited as ever. Suddenly, the saree I had carefully picked felt like a potential disaster waiting to happen.

I still joined the festivities — lighting diyas, greeting guests, smiling through it all — but half my evening was spent making “secret” trips to the bathroom. I skipped sweets, skipped dancing, and mostly tried to hide my discomfort under a cheerful smile. It wasn’t just physical pain; it was the emotional tug between wanting to be part of the joy and feeling betrayed by my own body.

Holi, Eid, and Everything In Between

Over the years, I’ve learned that menstruation doesn’t check calendars. Holi, with its wild splashes of color, brought its own chaos. While others jumped into the fun, I played cautiously — half laughing, half guarding my clothes.

Eid, with its fasting and feasting, tested me differently. Sitting at a table filled with delicious food, battling cramps and fatigue, I realized how much we push ourselves to “act normal.” And yet, despite it all, we adapt — because that’s what women do best.

Redefining “Normal”

What’s most exhausting isn’t the cramps — it’s the silence.

We still whisper about menstruation, especially during family gatherings or festivals. “She’s on her period,” spoken in hushed tones, still feels like a secret no one should know. But why? Periods don’t stop for festivals — and we shouldn’t have to hide them either.

· Finding Peace in the Chaos

· Here’s what I’ve learned over time:

· It’s okay to sit out. Self-care isn’t selfish. If your body needs rest, honor that.

· Dress for comfort. Darker colors, loose fits, and breathable fabrics can be liberating.

· Let go of perfection. The essence of festivals lies in joy, not flawless participation.

· Talk about it. The more we talk, the lighter it feels — for us and for others.

Embracing the Period Life

Menstruation is a reminder that our bodies are alive and powerful, even when inconvenient. Some festivals will align perfectly with our mood; others will test our patience. Either way, the lights will still twinkle, the laughter will still echo, and we’ll still find our place in the celebration — period or not.

So, here’s to every woman who shows up — not perfectly, but powerfully — embracing her body, her rhythm, and her joy.

By Minakshi Bansal

Assistant Professor, Asian Law College