“I have not constructed a shed for women to live in during their period as there are two caves nearby,” Chandra’s father-in-law Kalsele said. He said all women in the village stay in the caves during their menstruation. “Sometimes, the caves are crowded,” he said.

Despite various campaigns being launched to bring an end to Chhaupadi, people still practise the tradition at many villages in the region. Many women reportedly die while living in Chhaupadi sheds.

Chhaupadi is still practised as people believe that gods are infuriated if menstruating women enter the house.

Mina KC, coordinator of a campaign against Chhaupadi, said even educated women observe the practice.

She said the government should be serious about rooting out the superstitious practice. She also accused local shamans of promoting the practice.