TRANSGENDER'S FESTIVAL KOOVAGAM. HERE IS THE STORY AND A DEEP KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TRANSGENDER.

KOOVAGAM A FESTIVAL OF TRANSGENDER

From the time immemorial, transgender were and still are the most ignored and forsaken community in India. They are often labelled with degraded terms such as "Hijaras" and "kinnars" in many parts of the country.

Since they are denied access to the societal resources and opportunities, they are forced into prostitution or to beg on streets in order to meet their basic needs. Due to this attitude towards them their families often abandon them as kids in order to escape society's maltreatment. Away from the chaos of society , they have survived their identity by collecting themselves as a community with its own codes of conduct. In India, they are celebrated as good omen and their blessings are sought for new beginnings of life such as birth of a child, marriage etc.

Tamil Nadu has the largest population of transgender in India. Koovagam , a festival collectively organised and celebrated by and for this community. Koovagam is renowned festival of south india. Every year thousands of transgender gathers from across the country in april ,may month to the  Koothandavar Temple in Villupuram to celebrate this 18 days long festival.

MISS KOOVAGAM 2017

The myth behind the festival follows as Arjuna and naga princess ulupi gave birth to their son aravan, who is symbolically depicted in the koothanvadar temple. Transgender wait for this festival throughout the year as they then dress themselves as brides with gothic jewellery and outfits. This 18 days event is marked by joy of marrying lord koothanvadar  and next day mourning at his death through ritualistic dances and breaking of bangles , that marks the beginning of their widowhood. Beauty pageant follows the series of events and the winner is tagged as miss koovagam. On account of its unique ceremonies this festival is popular all over the country.