From the archive record
Trangenders or Hijraj cry to mourn the death of Aravan near Koothandavar Temple in Koovagam village. Priest cuts their mangalsutra and breaks their bangles. Koothandavar festival of Koovagam, is one of the most bizarre rituals observed in India. Koothandavar festival of Koovagam is one of the many bizarre and strange customs and festivals observed in India. The very basis of the festival, its associated rituals and the people involved make it the weirdest possible celebration on earth. A celebration of love and death, of sacrifice and life. Every spring, thousands of transgenders, eunuchs and cross-dressers from all over India and neighbouring countries flock to the southern Indian village of Koovagam, for Hindu celebration of transgender people. The ‘Koovagam’ is a two-day festival held a