Women in exile for his nature

• for its nature Women in Exile

Born a woman in West Nepal - a heavy burden. The local adherents of Hinduism (that is, at the most indiscriminate), there is a tradition called "chaupadi", implying expulsion and complete isolation from the society at the time of menstruation. Women and girls during menstruation is considered "dirty". They literally removed from affairs - they are forced to leave in the dark the chambers, barns or out in the mountains. At the same time they have to sit on a strict diet of dry food and rice, without having the right to appear in the temples, the water sources or touch the man. In another case, a woman infects "mud" that which is touched and forever cursed himself. Needless to say that many during chaupadi die from disease, thirst and attacks of wild animals?

This tradition was formerly widespread throughout the country, but in 2005 the Supreme Court of Nepal has forbidden her to force. However, this does not stop the hard-core supporters of Hinduism in the backward western regions. Reuters photographer hinged Chatrakar decided to remind the world of this terrible religious ceremony

Nepal. Achham, Western Region. 16 February.

14-year-old Uttara Saud washes his head after his first chaupadi.

Mountain Village Legudsen where most women are forced to stick to tradition chaupadi.

Barn, where she was found dead 15-year-old Samila Bhul practiced chaupadi last year.

Father Samil Bhul with a portrait of the deceased daughter.

Home Bhulov.

The teacher Chand Rupa Shah, which does not support chaupadi tradition explains schoolgirls that they should not go in the wake of religious dogma.