Tragic End of an Ancient Practice: Young Nepali Woman Dies in a Smoke-Filled Shed
On Monday morning in the remote western district of Achham, 21‑year‑old Gauri Bayak was discovered lifeless inside a cramped hut. Neighbours reported that she had lit a fire to keep warm, but the smoke quickly filled the room, leading authorities to suspect smoke inhalation as the cause of death. Police are awaiting post‑mortem results to confirm the exact details.
What Is Chhaupadi?
Chhaupadi is a cultural practice rooted in Hindu beliefs that view menstruating women—and even mothers— as impure. Under this custom, women are:
- Barred from touching food, religious icons, or cattle
- Forced to leave the family home and sleep in a basic hut or shed
- Separated from men during menstruation and postpartum periods
Road to Reform
Although the Nepalese government banned chhaupadi in 2005, the tradition persists in many rural districts, especially the western regions. Tragic incidents have continued: a teenager died from a snakebite last year, and in 2016 two women lost their lives under the same ritual.
In 2017, a new law was enacted to criminalise the practice. It will come into effect this August, imposing a three‑month prison sentence and a 3,000‑rupee fine (about S$62) on anyone who forces a woman to comply.
Voices Against the Violation
District women’s rights official Manju Mahat called chhaupadi a “clear violation of our human rights” and urged families to take responsibility and stop this archaic custom.
While the law offers a new legal shield, the real change lies in shifting mindsets and ensuring that traditions no longer end in preventable tragedies.
