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Context

• Koovagam, a village in Tamil Nadu, hosts the 18-day Koothandavar festival during the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April to mid-May).
• The festival culminates in evocative ceremonies on the last two days, attracting approximately 50,000 spectators from across India.

The festival:

• Koovagam, a village in Tamil Nadu, hosts the unique Koothandavar festival, Asia's only festival with all transgender participants.
• Lasting for eighteen days during the Tamil months Panguni and Chithirai (April – May), the festival draws thousands of transgenders and onlookers from across India.

Transgender Community and the Festival:

• Transgender individuals, often marginalized in society, find a sense of community and celebration during the Koothandavar festival.
• This festival serves as a unifying force for the transgender community, bringing them together from various parts of the country and even from South Asian countries.

Mythological Roots and Historical Significance:

• The festival's legend traces back to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, where Aravan, offering himself as a sacrifice, is married to Lord Krishna in the form of Mohini.
• Historical figures like Malik Kafur, despite physical deformities, played significant roles in Indian history, inspiring narratives of bravery and resilience.

Ceremonies and Rituals:

• Various events and cultural performances entertain participants and onlookers throughout the eighteen days, showcasing the talents and vibrancy of the transgender community.
• On the penultimate day, transgender individuals dress as brides, symbolically marrying Aravan with the priests tying the mangal sutra, representing Lord Vishnu in the form of Mohini.

The Chariot Procession and Symbolic Rituals:

• The festival culminates with a grand chariot procession carrying the idol of Aravan through the villages.
• The following morning, transgender individuals remove their mangal sutra, symbolizing widowhood and mourning the sacrifice of Aravan.

The Koothandavar festival at Koovagam stands as a vibrant celebration of transgender identity, blending mythological traditions with contemporary realities, and offering a space for reflection on the challenges faced by the transgender community.

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