The end of the period cycle is not only a complex biological process which has physiological impacts, but also affects a menstruator’s mental health.” says Nishant Bangera — the founder of Muse Foundation and the brains of Maasika Mahotsav — stressing on the importance of this year’s theme. The 2025-26 edition has already kickstarted with a Period Party in Nagpur and a five-part online series, which delves into the labyrinthine world of menopause.
Cultural buzz
This edition of the festival ventured to the village of Kisal in Murbad, where period awareness turned into a cultural event rather than an educational one. Conversations around menopause and other related issues can be difficult to initiate, so with the aim of introducing levity to these conversations the six-month-long festival takes a playful approach by engaging participants in games and quizzes, “The festival aims to initiate conversation around periods in a lighter and more joyous context. Every year, we see menstruators thoroughly enjoying games, thereby normalising period conversations.” Bangera adds. This unconventional approach has not only led to the participation of women, but also includes children and men.
(From left) Participants showcase period positive messages at Kisal Village; men perform at the event. Pics courtesy/Nishant Bangera
Young blood
Youth is of essence for Maasika Mahotsav, as they constitute the bulk of the festival’s cavalry, “Young people are dynamic, like to experiment and are ready to break the ceiling when no one wants to.” Bangera points out. A college volunteer, Rimsha Mirkar, describes her illuminating experience with the festival, “I am glad that as a young person, I can contribute to such an amazing initiative. I have learnt a lot about how I can, as a leader, create impact by normalising matters that are shushed by society.”
The team with Dr Kavita Ware (centre, in pink salwar kameez), sarpanch of Kisal Village, Murbad
Padding the future
Talking about future plans, Bangera expresses, “We plan to organise sessions for college teachers and women in villages and hope to have many more cultural activities in the month of May before we conclude the festival for this year.”
Nishant Bangera
Bangera is of the strong belief that normalising period conversations is a year-round task as the foundation continues its efforts even after the festival is over, “We organise sessions on Sustainable Menstruation with communities, colleges and offices to sensitise people about periods and help initiate conversations,” he signs off.
Log on to: @maasikamahotsav
A global connect
Building policy from ground zero
Zambia’s Whisper a Dream Foundation invites government officials for the festival, helping sensitise different stakeholders and influencing policy decisions.
A moment from the celebration by the Zambian foundation. Pic courtesy/Whisper A Dream Foundation
Not an adult issue
Escuela de Educación Menstrual Emancipadas takes the route of street activism and innovative storytelling through cartoons, to spark conversations with teenagers and children across Latin America.
