A video of women delivering free sanitary pads to women at the Maha Kumbh Mela has gone viral on the Internet, touching people's hearts everywhere. This follows the Yogi Adityanath government's decision to set up free sanitary pad stations at Prayagraj's spiritual gathering.
The video shows women with large bags, distributing free sanitary pads to other women at Kumbh Mela. The pads are in an orange-coloured packet, with reportedly two pads in each packet. It also shows some devotees returning to collect more pads from them.
"Some companies are doing good work in Kumbh. One company is distributing sanitary pads to women and girls for free with the help of some girls," wrote journalist Rajesh Sahu while sharing a video on X (formerly known as Twitter). He further added, “Similarly, the Health Department is also distributing free sanitary pads in all its hospitals in Kumbh."
This initiative will work in removing the stigma around menstruation at grassroots levels as Mahakumbh Mela is attended by people from diverse social and economic backgrounds. At the same time, this ensures availability of safe menstrual practises for those travelling. Campaigns aimed at raising awareness at such gatherings have generated success in the past.
Internet's Reaction
The internet found it very thoughtful. While some users pointed out the inefficiency of the government, adding it is always civilians who stand in help of civilians.
A user wrote, "This is very commendable work!" while another commented, “Most women from rural areas come to the Maha kumbh Mela, so this work is undoubtedly commendable and exemplary." Another user pointed out the platform is being utilised for the right purposes. Another user highlighted how the stigma around menstruation still exists in the country, referencing to the recent case of student in Uttar Pradesh getting punished for asking for sanitary pad.
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