What Are Periods Called In India?

Across most of India, variations of the word Masik (or Mahavari and Mahina) are the most commonly used terms for periods, which literally translate to ‘monthly’—reflecting the natural, rhythmic timing of the menstrual cycle.

However, regional dialects also capture the cultural, natural, and behavioural realities of menstruation. In several Indian languages, the vocabulary is deeply tied to nature and biology, using terms that translate directly to the Moon Cycle (like Lavo in Sikkim or Polo-Kanam in Arunachal Pradesh) or Blood Time (like A-Vi in Sikkim).

Phrases like ‘Kapda Aavva’ or ‘Kapre Auna’ literally translate to ‘the cloth has come’, reflecting how generations of women historically managed their bleeding using cloth. Conversely, in other communities, terms like ‘Alga Besvu’ or ‘Dura Irodu’ (meaning to sit separately or stay at a distance) are used natively, indicating how social customs and behavioural restrictions became intertwined with the vocabulary.

Every region has its own distinct balance: some words represent highly formal, traditional usage, while others are purely conversational, everyday terms used within households. Here’s a list of what periods are called in major Indian languages.