Patriarchy, Menstruation Taboo and Right to Worship

Abstract

Right to equality and freedom of religion both are considered as the fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution of India. However, both male and female don’t get the equal right in terms of worshipping God. Almost all women of India get the less support from religious institution. People try to consider that menstruation is the main factor through which they can’t play the dominant role in religious institutions. Menstruation is a biological phenomenon unique to female only. Although it is a biological phenomenon it has always been surrounded by taboos and myths that exclude women from various aspect of life. Many women are subjected to restrictions from their daily lives simply because they are menstruating. They are not allowed to enter the religious institutions during
menstruation. This article will try to elaborate the women position in religious institutions from the perspective of post colonial and feminism.