[Rest in peace, Ana] 20-year-old woman dies after menstruating… Read more
A shocking tragedy in Nepal has once again exposed the horrors of an ancient tradition that has stood the test of time and defied the law.
Amba Bohara, 35, and her two children, ages 12 and 9, died after being forced to sleep in a windowless hut as part of suffocation, a Hindu practice banned more than a decade ago.
The family lit a fire to try to combat the extreme cold of the night in a mud and stone hut, but without ventilation, they died of suffocation.
The next morning, their father-in-law found their lifeless bodies.
According to police officer Uddhav Singh Bhat, “they died of suffocation due to lack of ventilation.”
What is asphyxiation?
Despite being declared illegal in 2005, asphyxiation still persists, especially in the most remote regions of western Nepal. This ancient tradition considers menstruating women and girls “impure” and forces them to isolate themselves in makeshift huts or shelters, far from their families and homes.
During their menstrual period, women face inhumane conditions, exposed to dangers such as snake bites, wild animal attacks, rape, and even death.
They are also prohibited from touching objects considered sacred, such as food, livestock, and religious icons, and are required to eat as little as possible and avoid any interaction with their families.
Lost Lives and Inadequate Punishments
While the practice is considered a crime, with penalties of up to three months in prison and fines of 3,000 rupees (approximately R$100), the enforcement of punishments is poor.
Since the ban, several deaths have been recorded: in 2017, a teenage girl was found dead after being bitten by a snake; in 2019, another woman died of asphyxiation in circumstances similar to those in Amba Bohara. A cry for justice:
Human rights activists denounce the government’s ineffectiveness in eradicating this practice and demand stricter measures and constant monitoring.
The death of Amba and her children serves as a painful reminder that inhumane traditions, even banned ones, can claim innocent lives.
A shocking tragedy in Nepal has once again exposed the horrors of an ancient tradition that stands the test of time and defies the law.
Amba Bohara, 35, and her two children, ages 12 and 9, lost their lives after being forced to sleep in a windowless hut as part of the [Hindu religion], a Hindu practice banned more than a decade ago.
