Koothandavar Festival:
Koothandavar festival at Koovagam in Tamil Nadu plays out a tale of marriage and widowhood, all in a day.
- Koothandavar festival takes place in Koovagam of Tamil Nadu.
- It is the annual event, steeped in tradition, garners global attention for its unique celebration of the transgender identity.
- In a Tamil version of the Mahabharata, a character called Aravan offered himself as sacrifice for the Pandavas’ triumph in war.
- It is said he had a boon of marriage before his sacrifice but no woman wanted to marry him as it would mean widowhood.
- It is said Lord Krishna married Aravan after taking the form of Mohini.
- Lore has it that Lord Krishna grieved for Aravan as a widow.
- The focal point of the festival, Lord Aravan’s sacrificical ritual.
- On the 17th day of the ceremony, transwomen from far and wide congregate to wed Lord Aravan.
