Lal – an ode to the moon and menstrual cycle
To celebrate the menstrual cycle through music, dance, and art, Jatra Bangladesh Limited has organised a five-day long festival titled Lal. The festival, providing a platform for women to talk about menstruation openly, started on the night of full moon on February 19.
Lal features artworks and photographs, projecting various stigmas regarding menstruation, by artists such as Nazia Andaleeb Preema, Saria Saguaro, Shehzad Chowdhury and Nuzart, among others. On the opening day, the event started with a dance performance by Arthy Ahmed, Imran, Biswapratim from India, a performance art by Raka Tabassum, followed by a discussion session moderated by Anusheh Anadil, the founder of Jatra Bangladesh Limited. Participating musicians, artists, poets, dancers, photographers, and organisations were part of the discussion, that aimed to normalise this natural process by talking about it.
The festival also includes poetry reading session, a speech by Krishnokoli, performance art by Nazia Andaleeb, music by Sovvota, Nadia Dora, Vee, Baul Shofi Mondol, Anusheh Anadil, Ghassphoring Choir, and more.
Different organisations, such as Ashtha Foundation, Kotha, Project Konna, Pori Period App and Naripokkho, have also organised workshops. Project Konna arranged a workshop only for couples, in order to examine how much a male partner knows about menstruation.
Organic cups and reusable period pads, eco-friendly alternatives for sanitary napkins, are also available at Lal for sale. The festival will continue till February 23.
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