Mumbai's CSMT glows red to shatter India's menstrual taboos on Hygiene Day 2026

A striking red glow lit up Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) on Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026. The iconic landmark became the centre of a bold campaign to break the silence around periods in India. Organised by Ujaas and Central Railway, the event aimed to push menstrual hygiene into mainstream conversation through public engagement and striking visuals. Ujaas, an initiative by the Aditya Birla Education Trust, joined forces with Central Railway Mumbai to host the awareness drive at one of India’s busiest transport hubs. The partnership chose CSMT to reach a wide audience, using the station’s heritage building as a canvas for change. Illuminated in red, the structure symbolised menstrual hygiene as a fundamental right—a message reinforced by the Supreme Court’s recognition of menstrual health under Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Constitution.

The event featured interactive activities like 'Trash Out the Myths', 'Period Pulse', and a 'Period Rights Map' to encourage open dialogue. These sessions challenged long-standing taboos and misinformation, fostering a more supportive environment for those who menstruate. Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, highlighted the railway’s role in driving social inclusion through public spaces, stressing the need for systemic change. Behind the campaign lies a stark reality: nearly one in four young women in India still lacks access to hygienic menstrual products. This gap contributes to school absenteeism rates as high as 38% during menstruation, often due to stigma and inadequate support. Ms. Advaitesha Birla, Founder of Ujaas, noted that silence and misinformation continue to restrict confidence and mobility, making open conversations and supportive ecosystems essential. Since its launch, Ujaas has reached over 1.2 million beneficiaries and distributed more than 4.8 million menstrual hygiene products. The initiative has also recorded measurable shifts in behaviour, with more individuals rejecting myths and adopting healthier practices.

The collaboration between Ujaas and Central Railway marked a visible step toward normalising menstrual hygiene discussions in India. By transforming a historic public space into a platform for advocacy, the campaign reached thousands of commuters and passersby. The efforts align with broader legal recognition of menstrual rights, reinforcing the need for accessible products, education, and stigma-free environments.