Drawing the blood. A participatory visual ethnography of menstrual taboo in urban Mumbai

Although menstruation is a natural process experienced by women across cultures and historical periods, menstrual blood has often been perceived as dangerous, impure, and contaminating. As a result, many societies have imposed taboos and restrictions on menstruating women. Moreover, as analyzed by Camilla Mørk Røstvik (2024), despite a notable increase in visual representations of menstruation since the 1970s, particularly in the commercial sphere, it continues to generate both “acceptable” and “unacceptable” visual signs. While blood is the primary visual sign of menstruation, it has historically been censored or avoided in representations (ibid.), reflecting the deep-seated menstrual taboo that shapes its visual portrayal. This paper analyzes visual representations of menstruation and menstrual blood in public and private contexts in Mumbai, employing qualitative methods that integrate ethnographic and visual anthropological techniques. It explores how women perceive their menstrual cycles in relation to public imagery and examines the role of visual narratives, including those shaped by political campaigns and activism, in shaping menstrual experiences. By adopting participatory visual methods, including respondent-generated imagery, the study offers a comprehensive understanding of the visual and cultural landscape of menstruation in India, contributing to broader discussions on gender, health, and societal change.