The end of the period cycle is not only a complex biological process which has physiological impacts, but also affects a menstruator’s mental health.” says Nishant Bangera — the founder of Muse Foundation and the brains of Maasika Mahotsav — stressing on the importance of this year’s theme. The 2025-26 edition has already kickstarted with a Period Party in Nagpur and a five-part online series, which delves into the labyrinthine world of menopause.

Cultural buzz

This edition of the festival ventured to the village of Kisal in Murbad, where period awareness turned into a cultural event rather than an educational one. Conversations around menopause and other related issues can be difficult to initiate, so with the aim of introducing levity to these conversations the six-month-long festival takes a playful approach by engaging participants in games and quizzes, “The festival aims to initiate conversation around periods in a lighter and more joyous context. Every year, we see menstruators thoroughly enjoying games, thereby normalising period conversations.” Bangera adds. This unconventional approach has not only led to the participation of women, but also includes children and men.