Funny to see my name (Vanitha) in print. Yes, my name literally means 'girl.'
I have been following this story for some time. Many many people believe that menstruating women should not go to a temple during their periods. In my day, we had to sit in a separate room for the first three days, eat from separate plates that we washed away from everyone, and were not allowed to touch anyone (lots of fun pranks growing up with that one). It was embarrassing and somehow cruel--my mom had it worse, and no doubt my grandmother before her. I still don't go to the temple during those times. Superstitious habits are hard to break.
But things are changing. When my sister grew up, my grandmother said she could do whatever, just don't tell her private matters. My generation has largely given up the practice as it's not easy to work and pay attention to these nonsensical rituals that have lost meaning wrt their original purpose. Kids in this generation don't see it as an issue--broadly speaking, among the upper middle class and such. Poorer classes tend to be far more conservative in such matters.
All that said, I am AMAZED that women would challenge their exclusion from Sabari Malai, which is one of Hinduism's most sacred pilgrimages. They are inviting death by mob. It's beyond gratifying to see women come together to support this. And I am beyond amazed that the local police have been helping these women, in accordance with the law but against the wishes of the prime minister and his government.
