SAPTARI, Sept 21: A woman was beaten badly by the locals for allegedly practicing witchcraft at Kusundi of Nawarajpur-5 in Siraha district on September 14. She is currently receiving treatment at the Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.

Bhawani Thapa, 17, from Baluwatar is not allowed to enter kitchen, and worship when during her period because she is considered 'impure' and 'untouchable'. While medical science reports sleep disturbance during the menstrual cycle for girls and women, Bhawani cannot go to her bed after menstruation. Leaving her bed, which is uneasy for many, she has to find an alternative. Born and brought up in a well-off family in the heart of Kathmandu, Bhawani must strictly adhere to her 'family values' as ordered by her mother and grandmother. However, she is unable to share her suffering. She says: “I know it is a bad practice, but I am still forced to obey simply to respect my mom and grandma."

There are various evil customs in our society. Well! When we think of deep rooted social evil rituals, dowry system is one of the worst of them.