Insta
In A Historic First, Members Of Transgender ‘Kinnar Akhara’ Take Holy Dip At Kumbh In Prayagraj
Swarajya Staff
Jan 16, 2019, 03:56 PM | Updated 03:56 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
For the first time in history, dozens of transgenders who refer to themselves as ‘Kinnars’ took the ‘Shahi Snan’ or holy dip at the Ardh Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Tuesday (15 January 2019), overcoming strongly conservative resistance, reports The Hans India.
The Indian transgender community is estimated at around two million people, and it was the first time that its members were permitted to bathe at the confluence of the holy rivers of Ganga and Yamuna.
The ritual bath is meant to free individuals of all their sins and release them from the cycle of reincarnation.
“For us, this participation is about mainstream society accepting us. The creator is within us and once we die, we will go back to him. Our doors are open for all,” stated the head of Kinnar Akhara, Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.
The Kinnar Akhara is a religious order composed entirely of transgenders, but has not won official recognition from other mainstream Akharas.
“Establishing Kinnar Akhara aims to show the correct path to the next generation and to ensure that they do not face the stigma and discrimination we faced,” remarked the group's secretary, Pavitra Nimbhorker.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.