Tamil Nadu, India. 20th Apr, 2016. Hijra Devotees, Aravaan Charriot Celebration, Koovagam Transgender Festival Credit: FO Travel/Alamy Live News
Koovagam Festival is a re-enactment of a Mahabharata legend about Aravaan, a son of Arjuna born out of wedlock. Legend has it that Aravaan agrees to be sacrificed to Goddess Kali, in order to win the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. His only wish was to be married and consummate his marriage before his death. However, considering that no woman wanted to marry a man who was sentenced to die, Lord Krishna then took the form of a woman, Mohini, and marries Aravaan. The next day, Aravaan is offered in sacrifice to Goddess Kali who then devours him. Transgender people who come to Koovagam re-enact Aravaan’s single-day marriage. The festival begins with Miss Koovagam Beauty Contest, a recent addition held in the nearby town of Villupuram. On the following day, priests tie Thaalis or Mangalsutras around the necks of transgender people after performing special rituals for Aravaan. Thus, for one night, all of them become the brides of Aravaan following which there is a night of celebration.
Size: 7360px × 4912px
Location: Koovagam Temple, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Photo credit: © François-Olivier Dommergues / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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